Machiavelli's Character Analysis: The Prince
Lacey Fierro
Lee-5
AP Euro
12 October 2011
Analysis: The Prince
The ideal prince, for most people, would be one of which who show trustworthiness, mercy, religiousness, etc., all of which are good traits. On the contrary, according to Machiavelli, the ideal prince would at most show none of these traits and yet seem to possess them all at once. The ideal prince for Machiavelli would be one who is cruel and prudent and is more miserly than liberal. Machiavelli feels that an ideal prince would be cruel enough to bestow enough fear upon his subjects that he would gain respect, while at the same time not gain their hate. A prince would have to be bad rather than good and avoid bad habits, although if it is impossible to avoid them, …show more content…
Everyone can see, but only few can feel, and the few that do will not speak out against the prince because they are greatly outnumbered by the people who can’t feel.
11.) Discuss the different ways in which princes can gain fame. Which of these does Machiavelli feel is most effective? One way a prince can gain fame, is by giving outstanding examples of his greatness. For example, when someone does something extraordinary (either good or bad), he should punish or reward them, depending on which is best fit for the situation, because after such, it will be much talked about. A prince should also show himself a lover of merit and encourage his subjects to improve on their talents as well as offer awards to those who do so. This will not only increase their skills, but also help the state as a whole, because as a whole, the state is becoming more valuable. In gaining fame, it is important to also keep people busy, such as with festivals, shows, etc. Because his state is made of many groups and guilds, he must pay attention to each group and even give them an example of his generosity and humanity. In mingling with them though, he must make sure to not appear undignified to this
Lee-5
AP Euro
12 October 2011
Analysis: The Prince
The ideal prince, for most people, would be one of which who show trustworthiness, mercy, religiousness, etc., all of which are good traits. On the contrary, according to Machiavelli, the ideal prince would at most show none of these traits and yet seem to possess them all at once. The ideal prince for Machiavelli would be one who is cruel and prudent and is more miserly than liberal. Machiavelli feels that an ideal prince would be cruel enough to bestow enough fear upon his subjects that he would gain respect, while at the same time not gain their hate. A prince would have to be bad rather than good and avoid bad habits, although if it is impossible to avoid them, …show more content…
Everyone can see, but only few can feel, and the few that do will not speak out against the prince because they are greatly outnumbered by the people who can’t feel.
11.) Discuss the different ways in which princes can gain fame. Which of these does Machiavelli feel is most effective? One way a prince can gain fame, is by giving outstanding examples of his greatness. For example, when someone does something extraordinary (either good or bad), he should punish or reward them, depending on which is best fit for the situation, because after such, it will be much talked about. A prince should also show himself a lover of merit and encourage his subjects to improve on their talents as well as offer awards to those who do so. This will not only increase their skills, but also help the state as a whole, because as a whole, the state is becoming more valuable. In gaining fame, it is important to also keep people busy, such as with festivals, shows, etc. Because his state is made of many groups and guilds, he must pay attention to each group and even give them an example of his generosity and humanity. In mingling with them though, he must make sure to not appear undignified to this