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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which nation shows its self-love by claiming a monopoly on polite manners?

2. Why are poets not as much in debt to Folly as schoolmasters are?

3. Whom does Folly consider happier than Odysseus (also known as Ulysses)?

4. Among the learned men, whom does Folly call the most self-satisfied?

5. Whom does Folly consider to be the only god who shows no partiality?

Short Essay Questions

1. After comparing herself to Bacchus, in what ways does Folly consider herself superior to the other gods?

2. How does Folly compare theologians to the apostles?

3. How does Folly explain that humans amuse the gods?

4. Does Folly state that monks are foolish?

5. Before using the Scriptures, which authorities does Folly cite as supporting her?

6. Why does Folly say that kings like to be around fools?

7. How does Folly relate to sin in the cases of Aaron, Saul, David, and Paul?

8. What examples does Folly give of the benevolent form of insanity?

9. According to Folly, which legendary age produced the happiest people, and why?

10. According to Folly, which kind of authors are happy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concept of friendship in The Praise of Folly. How would you describe Erasmus and More's friendship? What does Folly say about friendship? Do you think Erasmus believed folly necessary for his own friendships?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Folly claim divinity? How does she compare herself to the other gods? How is she worshiped?

Essay Topic 3

Erasmus relies heavily on personification in The Praise of Folly. Give one example of personification besides that of Folly. How does Erasmus use personification to his benefit? Is his use effective?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 625 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample