View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Folly, if a doctor is foolish, what soars higher?

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

3. Folly states that which group of people listens to the preaching of monks?

4. Who protested when his friends rescued him from delusion?

5. Who can speak the truth without giving offense, according to Folly?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Does Folly state that monks are foolish?

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

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

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

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

8. How does Folly compare theologians to the apostles?

9. What does Ecclesiastes say about folly?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Does Erasmus display Self-love? Consider the passages in which Folly speaks about Erasmus's interests and occupations. Support your answer from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Folly's main argument is that she brings happiness to men. Explain and give three examples of men who are made happier by Folly. Would you agree?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 622 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample