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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. What did Aaron, Saul, and David all point to as an excuse for their sins?

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

3. Who comprises the happiest group of people, according to Folly?

4. About whom is Folly speaking in the following: "They pay high tribute to folly in believing that what can't be refuted by argument can often be parried by laughter."

5. Folly states that Christ compared himself with which foolish animal?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. While interpreting Paul's words, "I speak as a fool, I am more," Folly digresses to speak about what?

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

4. How does Folly respond to the argument that foolishness is an unhappy state?

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

6. How does Folly compare theologians to the apostles?

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

8. What example does Folly take from the animal kingdom to prove her point that the most foolish are the happiest?

9. According to Folly, how did Christ show folly?

10. Describe the worship of the goddess Folly.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define the character Folly. Describe her attributes and benefits. What are three things she gives to mankind?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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