The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli by Sophie Gehring

Allusion

sgehring26 — 2024-10-28 01:58:04 UTC

Niccolò Machiavelli began his book by alluding to a famous duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. Through this Allusion, Machiavelli created a sense of credibility between him and his audience of various princes. Sforza created a dynasty of Milan rulers, and his actions appeal to the princes reading this work of literature, especially if they want to create a similar powerful legacy. By Machiavelli already alluding to this powerful ruler, he had the ability to gain the attention of the princes and give his opinion on their political choices.

Cause and Effect

sgehring26 — 2024-10-30 22:13:30 UTC

Machiavelli then continued his writings by showcasing the cause and effect relationship for some of the prince’s actions. He did this to once again highlight the risks of not following his advice. Italy was at the time experiencing political turmoil and Machiavelli knew what the princes must do to ensure stability within their own regions. By giving examples of certain effects from their actions, he was able to make his point clear and further prompt the princes to not go against his word.

Compare and Contrast

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:50:54 UTC

Machiavelli utilized a compare and contrast relationship throughout his book to show what the Princes should and should not do. This format, in addition to the many examples he provided, allowed for the princes to obtain clear advice and visualize what might happen if they follow it or not. Machiavelli had a mission to convey to the many princes who might have read this, that in order for them to maintain their status they must rule a certain way. By backing up his advice with real world examples, Machiavelli was able to ensure the princes understood what was at risk.

Anaphora

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:52:24 UTC

Machiavelli once again cautioned his audience of the dangers that not following his advice would entail. By repeating the word “more” he attempted to drive home his point about the caution the princes must have when dealing with constitutions (21). He was known for his political ideals, and Machiavelli furthers his credibility by providing examples for most of his thoughts. This established credibility allowed for Machiavelli to write out helpful advice that he believed all princes should follow.

Examples

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:53:11 UTC

Machiavelli backed all of his pieces of advice with current and past examples. These examples allowed him to discuss the benefits and disadvantages that came with each princely action. He used a first person narration in order to personalize the text and make the princes feel as though they were having a conversation. With his numerous examples, Machiavelli was able to identify every side of the story. He also chose diverse selections of examples to show that his advice was timeless and could be used or shown in every time period.

Parallelism

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:53:37 UTC

Machiavelli utilized parallelism to show the opposing viewpoints of the nobles and ordinary citizens. By highlighting the anxieties of these people, Machiavelli had the chance to give the Princes a unique viewpoint that they may have not of thought of before. Machiavelli was raised in a middle class family and knew first hand the struggles these citizens might have experienced. When advising the princes to try and subdue the fears of the middle class, Machiavelli used is own experience to motivate his view point.

Anaphora

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:54:16 UTC

Machiavelli once again utilized anaphora to juxtapose the suffering of the middle class to their enjoyment when a nation experiences peace. He mentioned how the citizens would back up the princes if they protected them from the malicious intents of the nobles. This motivation to protect the middle class reflected Machiavelli’s own social standing. By playing into the princes’ desire of acceptance, Machiavelli was able to thoroughly convince them of his conviction. The audience who would have read this book in Machiavelli’s time would have been the Princes of Europe, and if they were reading how to better manage their territory, they most likely were facing some struggles. Machiavelli was able to use this vulnerability to inform the Princes of the positives of carrying through with his instructions.

Clarifying Definitions

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:55:17 UTC

Machiavelli also made sure all the princes of the land could understand his advice by adding clarifying definitions. These definitions served to allow his wide audience a chance to understand his message and follow through with his teachings. Many rulers at the time were well educated as part of high society. They possessed the ability to read, but might have had some troubles understanding some of Machiavelli's abstract concepts. The lower classes were rarely educated as well, and Machiavelli made no stride in including them in his teachings, especially since it did not apply to them.

Parallelism

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:56:08 UTC

Machiavelli used parallelism to show the relationship between “good laws and good arms” (40). He made sure to continue to repeat this phrase in order to debunk the common belief that a prince only needed a strong army to have political peace and power. Many princes who were struggling with their populace would use military force to prevent uprisings and silence the opinions of the citizens. Machiavelli disproved this idea with many examples and furthered his point by explaining that all states, no matter old or new, had both a strong government and militia.

Personification

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:56:48 UTC

Machiavelli employed personification in his text by describing what an error might taste like. He used this rhetorical choice while giving examples of military actions taken by princes. Italy at the time of this writing was experiencing much political conflict. Machiavelli utilized his credibility and power as the author of these letters to inform the princes of the dangers that come along with war. At a time of chaos and conflict in Italy, Machiavelli realizes the power of swaying the princes’ opinions, and, as a result, writes this work to help the princes find peace.

Clarifying Definition

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:58:00 UTC

Once again Machiavelli utilized a clarifying definition to allow for any type of prince to understand his advice. Many princes are new and do not understand the complexities of wars. Machiavelli, a few years before this book was published, released his book The Art of War. He studied for many years about how rulers should approach war and has become a credible source. This knowledge of his audience and war allowed for Machiavelli to clarify any misunderstandings regarding Auxiliaries and their use.

Parallelism

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:58:27 UTC

Machiavelli now used parallelism and an allusion to a well known book The Art of War. This parallelism once again showed the contrast of a leader who understood the consequences of war compared to one who did not. These contracts further convinced the princes of the worth of Machiavelli’s words. Many princes may have originally taken Machiavelli’s advice with a grain of salt, believing they were above him. However, by continuously proving his credibility, Machiavelli was able to reach these princes and convince them to believe his word.

Point of View

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:59:05 UTC

Machiavelli wrote in a first person point of view to add a personal narrative to his writings. His book was originally sent to Lorenzo de' Medici, the new prince Florence, to further his own personal power. By claiming these were his own thoughts, Machiavelli had the chance to show his worth as political advisor. His continuous examples and connections to his thoughts further proved his strength as a knowledgeable scholar and a valuable asset to the Medici family.

Anaphora

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 02:59:43 UTC

Machiavelli utilized anaphora to represent the qualities of a proactive and successful leader. These qualities were the ones Machiavelli focused most on and he used a similar structure in presenting them in order to show how the best leaders will have all of them. With his intentions of becoming a political advisor in the back of his mind, Machiavelli listed these traits as an absolute way to become a powerful prince. Medici was the new prince of Florence, and Machiavelli took advantage of his vulnerability to show off his knowledge of the political atmosphere.

Metaphor

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 03:00:22 UTC

The metaphor used by Machiavelli compared the traits of Severus, a powerful Roman military leader, to that of a “cunning fox” (64). The comparison allowed for the princes reading this book to understand the type of man he was. As a well known Roman Emperor, Severus served as another example of how military might and charisma added together create a leader that all citizens could approve of. Machiavelli repeatedly showed the importance of the two traits together because many princes at the time favored one or another.

Simile

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 03:00:59 UTC

The simile utilized by Machiavelli compared the annexation of a state to that of acquiring a new limb. This comparison showed the dependence of the state to its new ruler, as well as the liberation the ruler may now feel. Having a new limb was an abstract idea at the time considering the state of the medical field. Machiavelli believed the annexation of a new state seemed like a great privilege for the princes and hoped they would not take the honor lightly. A limb gives people freedom, but also the chance to stray away from their duty. Machiavelli recognized this and communicated the importance of responsibility during the changing times.

Example

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 03:01:29 UTC

Ferdinand was a king who shaped Spain to follow a single religion, Catholicism. Machiavelli recognized his accomplishments of becoming such a well-known prince and used his story as an example for others to follow. All princes want power and influence. Ferdinand did this by banning any non catholic citizens, and many princes looked up to his domineering authority. Since Ferdinand was known throughout the region, Machiavelli made sure to explain his tactics so that others had the chance to learn and grow.

Parallelism

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 03:02:05 UTC

Friends could be a valuable asset in Machiavelli’s eyes if they possessed the correct intentions. Machiavelli saw the vulnerability of many new rulers and informed them of the risk wavering friends might bring. When a political advisor tells someone of a potential threat, they are seldom the one to act out. Machiavelli’s goal was to become a political advisor for the Medici family and saw a sure way to achieve that goal through unsolicited advice. He utilized a parallel structure in his narrative to once again show the risks of not listening and going against his words. These constant warnings gave the Medici family a sense of the political advisory that Machiavelli followed.

Metaphor

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 03:02:32 UTC

Machiavelli compared the fortune of the princes to that of a river—one cannot avoid their future and must follow along the path. Many princes tried to control every situation, which created skepticism and distrust within their courts. By informing the princes of the risks of fleeing their future, Machiavelli could convince the princes, especially Medici, that they can not control everything. However, with a political advisor of Machiavelli’s caliber, the princes would find much more prosperity coming their way. Rivers were bountiful throughout the countries and very destructive. The rulers had their kingdom in their hands and one wrong move could lead to mass destruction.

Reflective Questions

sgehring26 — 2024-11-01 03:03:49 UTC

Machiavelli then concluded his book by asking some enlightening or reflective questions of each prince’s worth. He showed that by following his advice nobody would question the princes’ place in their respective states. This conclusion was especially important for Machiavelli’s last chance to prove to Medici his worth as a political advisor. Florence was a bustling city and deserved a ruler who could accommodate its high creativity and crime. Machiavelli was born from a middle class family, but he did not let it stop him from establishing himself as a credible scholar and someone who all princes must covet.