Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince captures a unique place in time. Bound by classical Greek themes of political theory, The Prince also engages with contemporary political framework that continues to maintain its relevance. While some claim that Machiavelli’s work is an obscene form of realpolitik, it can also be interpreted as a profound attempt to create a groundwork that appeals to the reunification of Italy. Machiavelli uses The Prince and the restricted context of political power and conflict, as a platform to articulate his view of human nature, his concept of virtù and the role of morality in government.
In order to understand the themes of The Prince as well as the varying viewpoints of Machiavelli, it is important to understand the …show more content…
Manipulation is very important subtheme, within the novel as it is clear that although a prince should maintain the image of a good Christian, to actually be a good Christian would make him unprepared to rule (Prince, xviii, p.81). A prince cannot be bound by religious ties as he must be willing to sacrifice his morality in order to preserve his state. Religion however is seen to be helpful in regards to the unify his citizens, therefore the prince must manipulate his actions in order to appear as a good …show more content…
Machiavelli believes in civic virtue also known as virtù. Virtù refers to the strength and wisdom of a man, traditional virtues or characteristics such as courage, fortitude, audacity. The main objective of virtù for a prince is to maintain and strengthen the state through these virtues. However, Machiavelli interprets virtù to represent other such as being sly, cunning, manipulative and violent. These skills can never be allowed to be seen by the public. A prince must always maintain a virtuous appearance towards the
In order to understand the themes of The Prince as well as the varying viewpoints of Machiavelli, it is important to understand the …show more content…
Manipulation is very important subtheme, within the novel as it is clear that although a prince should maintain the image of a good Christian, to actually be a good Christian would make him unprepared to rule (Prince, xviii, p.81). A prince cannot be bound by religious ties as he must be willing to sacrifice his morality in order to preserve his state. Religion however is seen to be helpful in regards to the unify his citizens, therefore the prince must manipulate his actions in order to appear as a good …show more content…
Machiavelli believes in civic virtue also known as virtù. Virtù refers to the strength and wisdom of a man, traditional virtues or characteristics such as courage, fortitude, audacity. The main objective of virtù for a prince is to maintain and strengthen the state through these virtues. However, Machiavelli interprets virtù to represent other such as being sly, cunning, manipulative and violent. These skills can never be allowed to be seen by the public. A prince must always maintain a virtuous appearance towards the