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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. Folly's father is the god of what?

2. Erasmus says he wants to survey the ridiculous rather than the what?

3. According to Folly, what is the seed and source of all deeds which win praise?

4. Erasmus marvels that present-day ears can bear to hear only what?

5. To what does Folly recall the elderly?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Folly think of people who hire someone else to praise themselves?

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

3. Why did Erasmus consider it unjust not to allow relaxations to those in the academic world?

4. How does Folly describe her parentage?

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

6. What does Folly say was her effect upon her audience?

7. What does Folly do for the elderly?

8. Does Folly speak highly of prudence?

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

10. Why did Erasmus ask More to be a champion of Folly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Folly spends some time on her "praise" of the follies of the Roman Catholic Church. List two members of the church and explain why they are foolish.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the concept of friendship in The Praise of Folly. How would you describe Erasmus and More's friendship? What does Folly say about friendship? Do you think Erasmus believed folly necessary for his own friendships?

Essay Topic 3

In his Prefatory Letter, Erasmus anticipates the criticism that his book is too frivolous for a theologian. How does he respond to the charge? Having read the book, how would you respond? Include specific citations from the book in your answer.

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This section contains 580 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample