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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. Folly is the true bestower of what?

2. Folly's father is the god of what?

3. If someone could look down upon the life of man as Jove does, what does Folly say he would see?

4. Erasmus answers the charge that he is too sarcastic by saying that ________ has always enjoyed freedom to exercise their wit on the common life of man.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Folly's birthplace.

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

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

5. What benefits does Folly dispense to men?

6. In his Prefatory Letter, why did Erasmus marvel at the sensitivity of present-day ears?

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

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

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

10. According to Folly, do philosophers make good kings?

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

Folly's main argument is that she brings happiness to men. Explain and give three examples of men who are made happier by Folly. Would you agree?

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