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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. In which year did Erasmus date his Prefatory Letter?

2. Who does Folly say makes men satisfied with themselves?

3. Which god was given a name that means "foolish" in Greek?

4. What does Folly state is necessary for a woman to agree to wedlock?

5. What is the least deceptive mirror of the mind?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Does Folly speak highly of prudence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Both Erasmus in his Prefatory Letter and Folly in her speech appeal to precedents. Compare the two passages. What is the purpose of each? Whom does Erasmus reference? Whom does "Folly" reference?

Essay Topic 3

While using the narration of Folly, Erasmus subtly voices his own opinions. What is the relationship between narrator and author? When is Erasmus being ironic, and when is he being truthful? Cite at least one example for each.

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