Final Answer:
Praise of Folly and Encomium to Helen share similarities in their rhetorical strategies, both employing irony and satire to critique societal norms and challenge conventional wisdom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both Erasmus's "Praise of Folly" and Gorgias's "Encomium to Helen" employ rhetorical devices to convey their messages. In "Praise of Folly," Erasmus uses the persona of Folly to satirize the follies of human behavior, employing irony to expose societal vices. Similarly, Gorgias, in "Encomium to Helen," employs the rhetorical device of encomium (praise) ironically, praising Helen while subtly critiquing the moral judgments associated with her.
Furthermore, both works challenge conventional wisdom. Erasmus critiques the societal norms of his time through the lens of Folly, questioning the accepted beliefs and practices. Gorgias challenges the traditional judgment of Helen's actions, arguing that persuasive speech and external forces influenced her choices, thereby challenging the conventional blame placed on her.
Additionally, both texts use satire to convey their messages. Erasmus satirizes various aspects of society through Folly's perspective, using humor and wit to highlight the absurdities of human behavior. Gorgias, through the encomium genre, satirically praises Helen while subtly critiquing the moral judgments associated with her actions.
In summary, both "Praise of Folly" and "Encomium to Helen" share similarities in employing irony, challenging societal norms, and using satire to convey their critiques of human behavior and moral judgments.