The Prince

A detailed Summary of The Prince

The Prince had no actual characters, but instead discussed and analyzed the political policies of political leaders, highlighting their faults and strengths. The setting was 1513 Europe. This is the same time when major areas were having power struggles and religious conflict was rampant. His tone is that of the ambitious leader. It conveys the thoughts of one who knows how to gain and maintain power. Though this is true, the thoughts are built upon principalities probably learned by way of many mistakes made by one who will never again be in the position to imply his theorems and strategies. Machiavelli's own ruthless mind probably served as the bases for him knowing the ways of the corrupt. The thesis seems to be that the ends justify the means.

Chapters such as the one describing "How one should govern cities or principalities that, before being conquered, used to live under their own laws" show Machiavelli's thirst for power and highlights a stressed point of his. This point is that one must learn how to maintain power before ga

Machiavelli went on to discuss the strategies of ruling by fear. "For it is perfectly possible to be feared without incurring hatred," shows that Machiavelli really thought over his writings. For it is highly possible that one who hates may to try to destroy that which he hates even if it means self destruction in the process.

"Men are less hesitant about offending or harming a ruler who makes himself loved than one who inspires fear. For love is sustained by a bond of gratitude which, because men are excessively self-interested, is broken whenever they see a chance to benefit themselves. But fear is sustained by a dread of punishment that is always effective."

Even with seemingly ruthless tactics, Machiavelli recognized the importance of keeping the people you rule happy. This was strongly displayed in a chapter concentrating on "How rulers should keep their promises." Using a combination of Greek mythology and discussing animals metaphorically he first spoke of the centaur. Telling of the centaur raising the likes of Chiron and Achilles he w

Some common words found in the essay are:
Chiron Achilles, Prince Prince, Magnificence Lorenzo, Machiavelli's Prince, maintain power, effective machiavelli, major power, justify means, maintaining power,

Approximate Word count = 715
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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The Prince

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