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

2. What is Folly's temple?

3. Of the fools, who does Folly say handles the meanest sort of business by the meanest methods?

4. Folly says that God takes great pleasure in whom?

5. Which group of people is Folly doubtful about admitting to her fellowship?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the worship of the goddess Folly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Folly say that schoolmasters are indebted to her?

10. What does Ecclesiastes say about folly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Erasmus began his book with a Prefatory Letter to his friend More. What was the purpose of this letter? What arguments does he make in it?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

While using the narration of Folly, Erasmus subtly voices his own opinions. What is the relationship between narrator and author? When is Erasmus being ironic, and when is he being truthful? Cite at least one example for each.

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This section contains 711 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample