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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 does Folly say that babies have that rewards those who look after them?
(a) The charm of folly.
(b) The wisdom of folly.
(c) The beauty of Helen.
(d) Innocence.

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

3. Whom did Erasmus make the narrator of his book?
(a) The pope.
(b) Virgil.
(c) Folly.
(d) More.

4. Folly considers emotions to be what in relation to wisdom?
(a) Masters.
(b) Slaves and subjects.
(c) Deterrents.
(d) Guides and incentives.

5. What does Folly say everyone finds delightful about adolescence?
(a) Life.
(b) Wisdom.
(c) Energy.
(d) Folly.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Folly claim she is delivering her speech?

2. Erasmus anticipates that critics will clamor that he is reviving what?

3. According to Erasmus, nothing is more entertaining than treating what in such a way as to make it clear you are doing anything but trifling with them?

4. Erasmus states that anyone who believes himself injured by Praise of Folly betrays what?

5. Who said, "Happy the states where either philosophers are kings or kings are philosophers"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Does Folly agree with those who say that it is conceited to praise one's self?

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

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

6. Why does Folly claim to be a god?

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

8. How does Folly describe her reputation?

9. What does Folly say about emotions in relation to wisdom?

10. Describe Folly's birthplace.

(see the answer keys)

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