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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. Among the learned men, whom does Folly call the most self-satisfied?

2. Who, according to Folly, interpret the Holy Scripture to fit their own purposes?

3. Which group of people is Folly doubtful about admitting to her fellowship?

4. Which nation shows its self-love by claiming a monopoly on polite manners?

5. According to Folly, who despises money?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Folly argue that flattery is not incompatible with sincerity?

2. How does Folly argue that Fortune favors the foolish?

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

4. How does Folly relate to sin in the cases of Aaron, Saul, David, and Paul?

5. How does Folly compare theologians to the apostles?

6. According to Folly, which legendary age produced the happiest people, and why?

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

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

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

10. Does Folly state that monks are foolish?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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 both disparages wisdom and claims that she guides men to wisdom. Discuss Folly's concept of wisdom and relationship to it. What is Erasmus saying through Folly?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample