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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. Those born foolish are free from what?

2. In the Holy Scriptures, which man says "I speak as a fool, I am more"?

3. Which animal does Folly pity for being made to work with men?

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

5. In Folly's opinion, no one would be induced to take on the duties of a king without what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. According to Folly, who was happier: Gryllus or Odysseus? Why?

5. Describe the worship of the goddess Folly.

6. What are naturally-born fools and idiots free from, according to Folly?

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

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

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

10. What examples does Folly give of the benevolent form of insanity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Erasmus does not explicitly name specific people from his day as followers of Folly, but he does name professions. Choose two occupations and show how its members are followers of Folly. How does Folly criticize them with her praise?

Essay Topic 2

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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