The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli | In Depth Summary & Analysis

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Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, and themes of Niccolò Machiavelli's philosophical text The Prince.

Niccolò Machiavelli's treatise The Prince is among the world's most celebrated and controversial works on governance. Dedicated by the Italian philosopher and diplomat to a member of Florence's ruling Medici family, The Prince is a treatise of practical advice to rulers on winning and keeping power.

Machiavelli discusses both hereditary and conquered kingdoms, notably condoning the use of brutal force in combination with strategic political alliances to ensure the stability of newly acquired territory.

Proposing a series of analyses on how to best rule a kingdom, the volume draws on the guile of the kings and princes of history.

The work is noted for its amoral character: manipulation and deception in the best interest of the state and its ruler are shown as perfectly acceptable. Such "necessary evils" define his ruthless brand of pragmatism.

Yet, Machiavelli is not insensible to fairness and moderation. He advocates a balance between the interests of the ruler and the ruled.

Though this balance may seem unacceptable to modern audiences, he draws ample support from the lessons of past rulers and makes a compelling case for the efficacy of his cutthroat political philosophy.

Florentine Secretary Niccolò Machiavelli's treatise The Prince was written in 1513. Imprisoned, tortured, and exiled, Machiavelli drafted The Prince, dedicating it to the Medicis, perhaps to get into their good graces. Advocating deceit to achieve goals, the more than five-century-old work continues to be central to the realist school of political thought.

The political treatise The Prince contains many powerful themes, including necessary evil, as Machiavelli argues that deeds considered immoral may be important to a political goal; practicality, as desired results must be achieved in the world as it is, rather than in one that is perfect; class, as how to carefully resolve conflicts between different sections of society is examined; and lessons of history, as similar past situations, Machiavelli argues, should inform current political strategies. Important symbols include the centaur, the lion, and the fox.

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The best analysis on Prince so far .and ur enthusiasm is catching 👍

englishliteratureresolutio

i like that the speaker is so enthusiastic! it makes watching these easier! thank you Course Hero!!!

scully-wully

Thank you for this analysis! It aligned with my course material and your enthusiasm was well received!

whimsicalmusic

I love it that they used him in the assassins creed games. For all we know, those games could be more historically accurate than anything we’ve been taught. The prince and the art of war, will get you to question your entire reality unless that’s why you sought them out in the first place.

calebray

This came just in time. Got a paper due on this on August 3rd.

kittykatmeow

MAKE ITALY GREAT AGAIN. That killed me hahaha

renbenpaq

Its also very fitting to our world... People who hate on the internet, and do nothing. One person who hate you in reality, can hurt you much.

howardtanner

Great information, need to chill a bit.

VirusVanquisher

This and The Art of War are to must reads for success in life.

joebaumgart

This is why one must learn from the past, because if you don't you're bond to repeat it with horrible consequences against humanity and nature itself ! M

markJohnson-otny