Authors, whose motives have been either to educate or entertain, have been writing about politics for centuries. Often, these writings can operate as textbooks for the study of contemporary political science. William Shakespeare’s Henry V is a prime example of how timeless political writing continues to influence politics hundreds of years later. Although written for entertainment value, Shakespeare’s play was distinctly influenced by the former political writings of his time. Subsequently, Shakespeare’s Henry V, in turn, influenced American President John F. Kennedy who continually quoted the famous St. Crispin’s Day speech from Henry V to his staff (Leamer 479). The Kennedy Administration provides an example of pragmatic implementation of
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Machiavelli wrote about how to maintain power in a “civil principality,” today more closely linked with modern day democracy, in which the masses choose their prince. Machiavelli wrote, “One, however, who becomes prince by favor of the populace, must maintain its friendship, which he will find easy, the people asking nothing but not to be oppressed” (64). In order to maintain popularity in a society that frowned upon Machiavellian tactics, Kennedy hid particular aspects of his presidency and certain faults just as any president. Keeping up public appearances in such a manner stays true to Machiavellian philosophy. In Henry V Shakespeare also addresses the humanity of rulers. In act 4, he joins his soldiers disguised as a commoner, and debates the ethics of waging war with France. One solider states that the King, ruling by divine right, is morally responsible for the fate of his men, while King Henry argues that he is not responsible for the soul of another, because each is responsible for their own lives (4.1.130-230). Henry’s line of argumentation along with the need to debate with the solider in the hopes of securing the soldier’s affirmation for his actions, support Machiavelli’s theory that rulers are men susceptible to human weakness. Adhering to Machiavelli’s advice, during the 1960 presidential campaign, Kennedy intimidated his opponents’ supporters. “In New York, Stevenson backers were warned that their man would not …show more content…
Part of this facade included having a vision, or positive goal, which would include and benefit all followers, and every follower was called a friend and equal. Shakespeare’s Henry V and President John F. Kennedy’s visionary speeches are widely studied. The St. Crispin’s Day Speech from Henry V is mandatory reading for the College of DuPage’s leadership course, which has an entire unit dedicated to “Articulating a Vision” ( Phi Theta Kappa 13-14). President Kennedy, adopted the St. Crispin’s Day speech and elements of Machiavellism as part of his vision for the American presidency. In the St. Crispin’s Day Speech King Henry claims the common man to be his brother, which is ironic, since the second act of the play describes how he cuts ties with the common man upon his ascension to the throne (2.1). Kennedy used this famous speech to motivate his staff:
Like soldiers in the front line, they [Kennedy’s staff] worked all night when
Machiavelli wrote about how to maintain power in a “civil principality,” today more closely linked with modern day democracy, in which the masses choose their prince. Machiavelli wrote, “One, however, who becomes prince by favor of the populace, must maintain its friendship, which he will find easy, the people asking nothing but not to be oppressed” (64). In order to maintain popularity in a society that frowned upon Machiavellian tactics, Kennedy hid particular aspects of his presidency and certain faults just as any president. Keeping up public appearances in such a manner stays true to Machiavellian philosophy. In Henry V Shakespeare also addresses the humanity of rulers. In act 4, he joins his soldiers disguised as a commoner, and debates the ethics of waging war with France. One solider states that the King, ruling by divine right, is morally responsible for the fate of his men, while King Henry argues that he is not responsible for the soul of another, because each is responsible for their own lives (4.1.130-230). Henry’s line of argumentation along with the need to debate with the solider in the hopes of securing the soldier’s affirmation for his actions, support Machiavelli’s theory that rulers are men susceptible to human weakness. Adhering to Machiavelli’s advice, during the 1960 presidential campaign, Kennedy intimidated his opponents’ supporters. “In New York, Stevenson backers were warned that their man would not …show more content…
Part of this facade included having a vision, or positive goal, which would include and benefit all followers, and every follower was called a friend and equal. Shakespeare’s Henry V and President John F. Kennedy’s visionary speeches are widely studied. The St. Crispin’s Day Speech from Henry V is mandatory reading for the College of DuPage’s leadership course, which has an entire unit dedicated to “Articulating a Vision” ( Phi Theta Kappa 13-14). President Kennedy, adopted the St. Crispin’s Day speech and elements of Machiavellism as part of his vision for the American presidency. In the St. Crispin’s Day Speech King Henry claims the common man to be his brother, which is ironic, since the second act of the play describes how he cuts ties with the common man upon his ascension to the throne (2.1). Kennedy used this famous speech to motivate his staff:
Like soldiers in the front line, they [Kennedy’s staff] worked all night when