View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom does Folly praise?

2. According to Folly, what kind of man is unlucky in regards to children?

3. Folly states that not wanting more than your share of wisdom is a true sign of what?

4. According to Folly, who would be disagreeable and disliked if not graced by her divine powers?

5. What does Folly say that the stoics degrade in public?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Folly claim to be a god?

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

3. How does Folly describe her reputation?

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

5. How long did Folly say she spent writing her speech?

6. Does Folly speak highly of prudence?

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

8. Where was Erasmus when he was writing The Praise of Folly?

9. What benefits does Folly dispense to men?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The statement is made that only fools are allowed to speak the truth without giving offense. Is this why Erasmus used Folly? Do you think he offended people? Does Folly speak the truth? What is one example of when she does and one example of when she does not?

Essay Topic 2

Folly spends some time on her "praise" of the follies of the Roman Catholic Church. List two members of the church and explain why they are foolish.

Essay Topic 3

Folly contrasts natural instinct with learning. Describe this comparison. How does Folly describe each? Which side does Folly praise? Is this Erasmus's opinion?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 611 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample