In 1511, Desiderius Erasmus published 'In Praise of Folly,' a satirical work that critiqued church traditions and societal norms through the persona of Folly. This influential text challenged the status quo and encouraged readers to reflect on the absurdities of human behavior and institutional practices. Erasmus's work played a significant role in the intellectual landscape of the Renaissance, contributing to the broader humanist movement.

Erasmus's publication of 'In Praise of Folly' popularized humanist satire and irony, influencing the tone of later Renaissance literature. This critical voice resonated in the poetry of John Donne and Andrew Marvell, who employed similar techniques to challenge societal norms and religious dogma.