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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. Because they are amusing, Folly claims that fools are the favorites of whom?

2. Men seek from saints that which belongs to whom?

3. What does Folly say that priests battle for?

4. How many statues does Folly have?

5. According to Folly, who stretch the Holy Scriptures like a tanner with a hide?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Folly compare theologians to the apostles?

4. Where in the courts of kings does Folly say that she is evident?

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

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

7. How does Folly differentiate between the two types of insanity?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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?

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