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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In which year did Erasmus date his Prefatory Letter?
(a) 1508.
(b) 1500.
(c) 1598.
(d) 1550.

2. Who are the two gods in Folly's household?
(a) Zeus and Theseus.
(b) Revelry and Sound Sleep.
(c) Mirth and Longevity.
(d) Zeus and Mars.

3. Who said, "Happy the states where either philosophers are kings or kings are philosophers"?
(a) Lucian.
(b) Homer.
(c) Plato.
(d) Aristotle.

4. What grows in the place of Folly's birth?
(a) The tree of life.
(b) Onions.
(c) Butterflies.
(d) The gardens of Adonis.

5. Erasmus believes he is not writing sarcasm, but what instead?
(a) Allegorical interpretation.
(b) Innocent jokes.
(c) Criticism and dissent.
(d) Warning and advice.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the only one who can gladden the hearts of gods and men, according to Folly?

2. Why are women willing to repeat childbirth, in Folly's opinion?

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

4. Erasmus complains that many people find jokes against popes and princes more offensive than what?

5. What is the best name for those who are complete fools, but try to pass as wise men?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why is Folly dressed in unaccustomed garb?

5. How long did Folly say she spent writing her speech?

6. How does Folly claim to be responsible for art?

7. How does Folly describe her reputation?

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

9. Where was Erasmus when he was writing The Praise of Folly?

10. Why does Folly consider her presence to be essential to friendship?

(see the answer keys)

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