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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Erasmus, nothing is so trivial as treating what in a trivial manner?
(a) Serious subjects.
(b) The mundane.
(c) Jokes.
(d) Trivialities.

2. Erasmus remembers that someone wrote the last will and testament of the piglet Grunnius Corocotta, as mentioned by whom?
(a) St. Jerome.
(b) Homer.
(c) The Apostle Paul.
(d) Ovid.

3. Which of the following does Erasmus name as a famous author who wrote frivolity?
(a) Virgil.
(b) Chaucer.
(c) Defoe.
(d) Augustine.

4. What does Folly say that the stoics degrade in public?
(a) Wisdom.
(b) Sophistry.
(c) Friendship.
(d) Pleasure.

5. Erasmus predicts that his book will be criticized as being what?
(a) Immature and poorly written.
(b) Treacherous and rebellious.
(c) Frivolous and sarcastic.
(d) Incomprehensible.

6. Folly states that men create art because of a thirst for what?
(a) Independence.
(b) Money.
(c) Fame.
(d) Wisdom.

7. Erasmus marvels that present-day ears can bear to hear only what?
(a) Music.
(b) Serious prose.
(c) Pedantic poetry.
(d) Honorific titles.

8. According to the Prefatory Letter, Erasmus wrote The Praise of Folly on his journey to England from where?
(a) Italy.
(b) Greece.
(c) Germany.
(d) France.

9. Because Folly dispenses every benefit to all alike, what does she think she should be named?
(a) "Alpha" of all gods.
(b) "Benefactor" of all men.
(c) "Goddess Divine."
(d) "Fountain of Blessings"

10. How does Folly describe a wise man without emotions?
(a) A puppet.
(b) An animal.
(c) A monster.
(d) A doormat.

11. Who does Folly say makes men satisfied with themselves?
(a) Contentment.
(b) Madness.
(c) Self-love.
(d) Deception.

12. Orators prepare long speeches to do what Folly does with her what?
(a) Laughter.
(b) Looks.
(c) Riddles.
(d) Speech.

13. Erasmus follows the well-known popular proverb that states that a man should do what?
(a) Speak with false humility.
(b) Praise himself, if no one else will.
(c) Defame himself.
(d) Praise others before himself.

14. Who is the only one who can gladden the hearts of gods and men, according to Folly?
(a) Folly.
(b) Bacchus.
(c) Silenus.
(d) Wine.

15. What does Folly state is necessary for friendship?
(a) Reason.
(b) Folly.
(c) Wisdom.
(d) Honesty.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are women willing to repeat childbirth, in Folly's opinion?

2. Folly considers emotions to be what in relation to wisdom?

3. Who are the two gods in Folly's household?

4. Erasmus says he wants to survey the ridiculous rather than the what?

5. Whom did Erasmus make the narrator of his book?

(see the answer keys)

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