Study Questions
for Francis Bacons
"Idols
That Beset Mens Minds"
1. According to Bacon, what are the four
classes of Idols?
2. Describe a few of Bacons examples
of Idols of the Tribe.
3. Why are they called Idols of the Tribe?
4. What are some of Bacons examples of
Idols of the Cave?
5. Why are they called that?
6. What are Idols of the Marketplace? Why are
they called that?
7. What are Idols of the Theater? Why are they
called that?
8. Do you think of any contemporary Idols of
the Theater that Bacon might pick out if he were writing today?