In Praise of Folly

Definition

'In Praise of Folly' is a satirical essay written by Desiderius Erasmus in 1509, which critiques the corruption and foolishness found in society, especially within the Church and among scholars. The work uses humor and irony to expose the shortcomings of human nature, aligning with the core principles of Renaissance humanism by emphasizing the importance of reason, ethics, and individual agency. It played a crucial role in promoting vernacular literature, as it was one of the early works that demonstrated how accessible language could be used to discuss complex social and philosophical issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'In Praise of Folly' was written in Latin but had significant influence on later translations into vernacular languages, making its ideas more accessible.
2. The character Folly, who speaks in the essay, represents foolishness as both a critique of society and a celebration of certain human traits.
3. Erasmus's work highlighted the contradictions within religious practices and emphasized the need for reform in the Church, contributing to the larger Reformation movement.
4. The essay was well-received in its time, becoming a bestseller and influencing many Renaissance thinkers and writers.
5. The use of irony and wit in 'In Praise of Folly' helped establish a tradition of satire in European literature that continues to resonate today.

Review Questions

• How does 'In Praise of Folly' reflect the core principles of Renaissance humanism through its critique of society?
  • 'In Praise of Folly' reflects Renaissance humanism by using satire to highlight the flaws in society and especially in religious practices. Erasmus employs humor to encourage readers to think critically about their beliefs and behaviors, which aligns with the humanist emphasis on reason and ethics. By advocating for self-reflection and reform, Erasmus promotes individual agency, a key aspect of humanist thought.
• Discuss the significance of 'In Praise of Folly' in the context of vernacular literature during the Renaissance.
  • 'In Praise of Folly' is significant because it showcases how vernacular literature can engage with serious social issues while remaining accessible to a broader audience. Although originally written in Latin, its impact on subsequent translations into various vernacular languages allowed it to reach many more readers. This helped pave the way for other writers to use everyday language to discuss complex ideas, thus fostering a cultural shift towards literature that spoke directly to people's experiences.
• Evaluate how Erasmus's use of satire in 'In Praise of Folly' contributes to our understanding of human nature and societal flaws during the Renaissance period.
  • 'In Praise of Folly' offers profound insights into human nature by presenting folly as an inherent aspect of life that can both hinder and enrich existence. Through satire, Erasmus exposes societal flaws such as hypocrisy within religious institutions and ignorance among scholars. This critical examination encourages readers to recognize their own follies and embrace a more reflective approach to life. By highlighting these themes during the Renaissance—a time focused on rediscovery and reformation—Erasmus contributes to an evolving dialogue about morality, ethics, and personal responsibility.

Related terms

Satire:

'Satire' is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

Humanism:

'Humanism' is an intellectual movement that originated during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of human beings, individualism, and the study of classical texts.

Vernacular: 'Vernacular' refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region, as opposed to the formal or literary language.