|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Is Machiavelli Machiavellian? ... The term originated in France during the Catholic Counter-Revolution, a time of great hatred for everything and everyone associated with the Italian Renaissance (“Niccolò Machiavelli”; “Counter-Reformation”). Some believe that in this hostile environment, Machiavelli was used as a scapegoat and insist that the word’s negative connotation does not fairly describe Machiavelli (“Niccolò Machiavelli”). However, analysis of The Prince clearly shows that Machiavelli’s argument in is indeed Machiavellian.
The analysis begins with Machiavelli’s two basic assumptions and how they affect his writing. ... Referring to his knowledge of antiquity and current affairs, Machiavelli claims the knowledge has been “carefully pondered and patiently over and sifted by me, and now reduced into this little book” (vii). Because Machiavelli assumed people were lazy, he has written a book that he believes, due to its brevity, Lorenzo de’ Medici is more likely to read, and effectively done all the thinking for his reader, making de’ Medici less likely to disagree with his claims. In the same paragraph, Machiavelli exposes his second assumption, that people are egotistical and subject to flattery. Machiavelli claims “the work unworthy for your [de’ Medici’s] greatness,” using apple-polishing to try to immediately gain a favorable ear (vii). These instances are just the beginning of the effects Machiavelli’s assumptions have on his writing as he relies heavily on these assumptions throughout the work, making use of tactics that exploit the assumed weaknesses.
Approximate Word count = 1041
Approximate Pages = 4.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|