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

2. What does Folly say would be rampant without her?

3. What is the best name for those who are complete fools, but try to pass as wise men?

4. Whom does Folly praise?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Folly describe her reputation?

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

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

4. Describe Folly's birthplace.

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

6. What does Folly do for the elderly?

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

8. What benefits does Folly dispense to men?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Folly maintains that she bears great similarity to Christianity. Give three of her reasons and discuss whether her praise is genuine or not.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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?

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