Praise of Folly

Definition

The Praise of Folly is a satirical work written by the Dutch humanist Erasmus in 1509. It critiques the social, political, and religious issues of the time, using the character of Folly to expose the foolishness inherent in human nature and societal norms. This work is significant in the Northern Renaissance as it reflects the growing intellectual movement that sought to challenge established authorities and promote individual thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Praise of Folly is structured as a monologue by Folly herself, who humorously praises the virtues of foolishness while critiquing the wise, powerful, and religious figures of the time.
2. Erasmus wrote this work while traveling in Italy, where he was influenced by Renaissance humanism and classical literature.
3. The text not only highlights individual folly but also addresses broader societal issues such as corruption within the church and the ignorance prevalent among clergy and laypeople.
4. The work is seen as a precursor to the Reformation, as it encouraged critical thinking about faith and practices, ultimately leading many to question church authority.
5. Praise of Folly remains a key example of Renaissance satire, blending humor with serious critique, which was a hallmark of Northern Renaissance literature.

Review Questions

• How does Erasmus use the character of Folly to convey his critiques of society in the Praise of Folly?
  • Erasmus personifies Folly to highlight the absurdities and contradictions present in society. By giving Folly a voice, he allows her to mock both the wise and powerful figures who often act foolishly. This satirical approach enables Erasmus to critique various aspects of society, including religious practices and social norms, all while engaging readers through humor and irony.
• Discuss how the Praise of Folly reflects the principles of humanism and its impact on religious thought during the Northern Renaissance.
  • The Praise of Folly embodies humanist principles by promoting critical examination of societal norms and encouraging individuals to think independently. Erasmus's emphasis on education, moral integrity, and rational thought reflects a shift from blind adherence to tradition toward a more questioning approach. This work contributed to a growing movement that questioned established religious authority, ultimately paving the way for the Reformation and changes in European religious thought.
• Evaluate the lasting significance of the Praise of Folly in terms of its influence on later reform movements and literary satire.
  • The lasting significance of the Praise of Folly lies in its role as a catalyst for later reform movements, especially during the Protestant Reformation. By encouraging critical thinking about religious practices and societal structures, Erasmus's work inspired future generations to challenge authority. Additionally, its unique blend of humor and serious commentary set a precedent for literary satire that would influence writers like Swift and Voltaire, demonstrating how wit can be used effectively to critique society.

Related terms

Erasmus: A Dutch Renaissance humanist and scholar known for his writings that emphasized education, moral philosophy, and critical examination of religious practices.

Humanism: An intellectual movement that originated in the Renaissance, focusing on human potential and achievements, emphasizing the study of classical texts and promoting secular subjects alongside religious ones.

Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century aimed at reforming the Catholic Church, which led to the establishment of Protestantism and significant changes in European religious and political landscapes.