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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. What happens when Folly begins addressing the crowd?

2. Which wise man was driven to drink hemlock because of wisdom?

3. Whom does Folly consider her sister?

4. Folly claims that all emotions belong to whom?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Folly explain that Self-love is related to her?

2. Why did Erasmus consider it unjust not to allow relaxations to those in the academic world?

3. Why does Folly claim to be a god?

4. Why is Folly dressed in unaccustomed garb?

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

6. How does Folly claim to be responsible for art?

7. Does Folly speak highly of prudence?

8. Why did Erasmus dedicate his book to Thomas More?

9. Did Erasmus consider The Praise of Folly too frivolous for a theologian?

10. What does Folly think of people who hire someone else to praise themselves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In his Prefatory Letter, Erasmus anticipates the criticism that his book is too frivolous for a theologian. How does he respond to the charge? Having read the book, how would you respond? Include specific citations from the book in your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Folly's main argument is that she brings happiness to men. Explain and give three examples of men who are made happier by Folly. Would you agree?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss references to marriage in the Praise of Folly. Were Folly's parents married? What is Folly's role in marriage? Does Erasmus have a favorable view of marriage?

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