Machiavelli Prince
Essay by review • December 15, 2010 • Essay • 601 Words (3 Pages) • 1,292 Views
The evolution of modern politics is strongly influenced by Machiavelli's tactics in The Prince. The fast nature, smooth talking, and lack of original thought seen in modern politics is evident in Machiavelli's work. It is a small but powerful thing to gain favor in politics, and Machiavelli accomplishes this well throughout The Prince. In applying his brain to assume a logical means to keep the status quo a political roadmap is created. Giving this work to the reigning Medici family gains their favor thus granting Machiavelli's release from prison. Machiavelli's work is a political piece written as a simple means to an end, another chance to live as a free subject. The Prince is fast talking politics describing itself, a small treatise acting as a well written guide.
As a result of playing favor to both sides of a turbulent political conflict Machiavelli, with no specific powers, finds himself in prison at the beginning of the Medici Rule. By his own rules and examples set forth in The Prince he should, at the very least, be imprisoned for the rest of his life if not sentenced to death. While suffering in prison it is Machiavelli's overwhelming desire to be free. Calmly collecting his thoughts and employing logic he prepares a treatise for the ruling hand and sets himself free in the process.
Using very specific language Machiavelli creates a work which begs to be read. The Prince is fast, easy, and pleasing read in which he presents himself as "humble and Lowly" (2) looking "to win approval" (2). What Machiavelli accomplishes is setting a standard for supplication in a political sense. It is not in the Body of his work, but in the introduction, where he seemingly releases himself from bondage. Throughout the entire passage he exists for the ruler's betterment, all the while vouching for himself as a loyal subject. The introduction presents the offer of reciprocation, and Medici takes it. Machiavelli has won his second chance at life.
Language is often a strong tool in manipulating one's situation. Using words to remove himself from sticky situations, former president Bill Clinton serves as Machiavelli's modern counterpart. Although married, former president Clinton was involved in numerous adulterous affairs which were made very public during his time as president. Adultery was not a short term character trait of Clinton; he managed
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