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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 does Zeus have to put aside in order to make a child?

2. Erasmus believes he is not writing sarcasm, but what instead?

3. Erasmus marvels that present-day ears can bear to hear only what?

4. Folly states that a man must love whom in order to love anyone?

5. Folly is the true bestower of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Folly say was her effect upon her audience?

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

3. What benefits does Folly dispense to men?

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

5. Describe Folly's birthplace.

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

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

8. Does Folly speak highly of prudence?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Folly claim divinity? How does she compare herself to the other gods? How is she worshiped?

Essay Topic 2

Erasmus began his book with a Prefatory Letter to his friend More. What was the purpose of this letter? What arguments does he make in it?

Essay Topic 3

Folly both disparages wisdom and claims that she guides men to wisdom. Discuss Folly's concept of wisdom and relationship to it. What is Erasmus saying through Folly?

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