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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. Whom does Fortune favor?

2. Men seek from saints that which belongs to whom?

3. Folly believes that medicine and law are an aspect of what?

4. What do some foolish men believe will purify them from a lifetime of sin?

5. Who does Folly call unpopular, although they are happy because of their self-satisfaction?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Folly differentiate between the two types of insanity?

2. Describe the worship of the goddess Folly.

3. How does Folly explain that humans amuse the gods?

4. Before using the Scriptures, which authorities does Folly cite as supporting her?

5. Why does Folly say that kings like to be around fools?

6. Where in the courts of kings does Folly say that she is evident?

7. Explain the communal form of Self-love, which Folly claims Nature has implanted.

8. How does Folly say that schoolmasters are indebted to her?

9. According to Folly, which kind of authors are happy?

10. After comparing herself to Bacchus, in what ways does Folly consider herself superior to the other gods?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Folly contrasts natural instinct with learning. Describe this comparison. How does Folly describe each? Which side does Folly praise? Is this Erasmus's opinion?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss references to marriage in the Praise of Folly. Were Folly's parents married? What is Folly's role in marriage? Does Erasmus have a favorable view of marriage?

Essay Topic 3

What is the relationship between Self-love and Folly? How is Self-love necessary for friendship? How is deception necessary for Self-love?

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