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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. According to the Prefatory Letter, Erasmus wrote The Praise of Folly on his journey to England from where?

2. In which year did Erasmus date his Prefatory Letter?

3. Erasmus remembers that someone wrote the last will and testament of the piglet Grunnius Corocotta, as mentioned by whom?

4. Erasmus states that his praise of folly has not been altogether what?

5. What does Folly state is necessary for friendship?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Folly consider her presence to be essential to friendship?

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

3. Describe Folly's birthplace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Folly describe her parentage?

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

"There is merit in being attacked by Folly." Is the converse also true? Show three examples from the book in which Erasmus intended to attack with his praise.

Essay Topic 3

Does Erasmus display Self-love? Consider the passages in which Folly speaks about Erasmus's interests and occupations. Support your answer from the text.

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