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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This essay discusses Erasmus' interpretation of Folly -- whether Folly is a danger to humankind or whether Folly is a necessary antidote to seriousness. Bibliography lists 1 source.
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MTfollyr.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
to point out inconsistencies and foolishness in life. He does this well in his work, "In Praise of Folly," which, on the surface, seems to compliment the idea of folly
- which is also synonymous with impetuousness, foolishness and light-heartedness. Beneath the apparently bright and complimentary words, however, lay a darker tone of writing - one that points out Folly
as not a benefit to human beings, but rather, a true danger to mankind. Erasmus does this by using the "tongue-in-cheek" method - in other words, he writes something, but
means the exact opposite. First of all, there is Erasmus regard of Folly as a woman, rather than a man - given
the time in which this was written (the early 16th century), when women were considered second-class citizens and somewhat foolish ones that that, this is not a great compliment to
the idea of Folly (or as women, for that matter). "If I shall seem to have spoken anything more boldly or impertinently than I ought, be pleased to consider that
not only Folly, but a woman said it . . ." These words are not exactly the most wonderful compliment in the world, and they dont speak too highly of
Folly as a being worthy of respect. Second, most of Erasmus paragraphs drip with irony as Folly speaks - while she casts
aspersions on the more sober, thoughtful men of the generation (she consistently warns of the danger of well-read, thoughtful men), she is, in fact, painting herself to be dangerous to
society of the times. In narrating Folly herself, Erasmus notes that she isnt exactly held in the best repute, but ". .
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