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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the least deceptive mirror of the mind?
(a) Actions.
(b) Speech.
(c) Looks.
(d) Eyes.

2. How does Folly claim she is delivering her speech?
(a) Quickly.
(b) With great emotion.
(c) Extempore, or unprepared.
(d) With intentionality and serious thought.

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

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

5. Where was Folly born?
(a) Wandering Delos.
(b) The Island of Troy.
(c) A hollow cave.
(d) The Islands of the Blest.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. To what does Folly recall the elderly?

3. Folly states that a man must be what in order to be a father?

4. Folly dresses in unaccustomed garb because she is imitating whom?

5. Who speaks at the beginning of The Praise of Folly?

Short Essay Questions

1. Are women more or less foolish than men, according to Folly?

2. How does Folly say that Jupiter bestows passion and reason to man?

3. Does Folly have a good opinion of the children of wise men?

4. What does Folly say is the happiest age of man, and why?

5. According to Folly, do philosophers make good kings?

6. In his Prefatory Letter, did Erasmus admit he wrote Praise of Folly with sarcasm?

7. Did Erasmus anticipate criticism for his book? Why or why not?

8. Describe Folly's birthplace.

9. Why did Erasmus ask More to be a champion of Folly?

10. Why does Folly say that she is necessary for war?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 618 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample