The Praise of Folly

Definition

The Praise of Folly is a satirical work written by the humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam in 1509, which critiques the societal norms and practices of his time through the voice of a character named Folly. This text uses humor and irony to reveal the foolishness of various groups, such as the clergy, scholars, and common people, emphasizing the need for a return to genuine Christian values and self-reflection. It reflects the characteristics of the Northern Renaissance by highlighting humanist themes, including individualism and critical inquiry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Erasmus wrote The Praise of Folly while traveling in England, and it was first published in 1511, gaining widespread popularity throughout Europe.
2. The book is structured as a speech delivered by Folly herself, allowing Erasmus to cleverly critique various social classes without direct confrontation.
3. Erasmus used The Praise of Folly to argue for moral reform within the Church, advocating for a focus on spirituality over ritualistic practices.
4. The work is considered a precursor to later Enlightenment thought, promoting reason and skepticism towards established authority.
5. The Praise of Folly played a significant role in the development of Northern Renaissance literature, influencing writers like Thomas More and John Milton.

Review Questions

• How does The Praise of Folly reflect the characteristics of the Northern Renaissance?
  • The Praise of Folly embodies Northern Renaissance characteristics by utilizing satire and humanist ideals to critique societal norms. Erasmus employs humor and irony to expose the shortcomings of various social groups, advocating for critical thinking and a return to authentic Christian values. This work highlights the importance of individual thought and self-reflection, which are key elements of Northern Renaissance thought.
• In what ways does Erasmus utilize satire in The Praise of Folly to address issues within the Church and society?
  • Erasmus effectively uses satire in The Praise of Folly by presenting Folly as a character who humorously praises foolishness found in both religious practices and societal behaviors. Through this character's perspective, Erasmus criticizes the hypocrisy within the Church, such as clerical corruption and superficial piety. By laughing at these follies, he encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors while pushing for genuine spiritual renewal.
• Evaluate the impact of The Praise of Folly on Renaissance humanism and its contribution to the calls for reform in religious practices during that era.
  • The Praise of Folly had a profound impact on Renaissance humanism by emphasizing reason and individual critical thought over blind acceptance of authority. It contributed significantly to calls for reform within religious practices by challenging the established norms of the Church and advocating for a return to personal piety. Erasmus' witty critique laid the groundwork for later reform movements by inspiring thinkers like Martin Luther, ultimately shaping modern religious discourse and promoting a more reflective approach to spirituality.

Related terms

Erasmus: A Dutch Renaissance humanist and theologian known for his works promoting education, religious reform, and a return to the original texts of Christianity.

Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the study of classical texts, human potential, and the importance of individual experience.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.