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Machiavelli The Prince Chapter Summaries

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The book, “The Prince,” is an extension of the analysis of how people can acquire power and maintain it. In an in-depth exploration unleashed in 26 chapters, the author, Niccolo Machiavelli, puts straight his intention to the use of simple terms how great men should conduct themselves as well as the guiding principles of a royal government. The book is divided into four sections with each section characteristically being given a particular issue. For instance, chapters 1-11 discuss in depth the different types of principalities and states. Chapters 12-14, the author discusses the types of armies in line with the proper conduct of the Prince in his role as a military leader. In chapters 15-25, the author gives an analysis of the expected character and behavior of the prince. Finally, chapters 24-26 discuss how Italy is in a desperate political situation. Machiavelli uses several quotes throughout his book in a bid to get his message apparently driven and understood by his readers. For this essay, I will discuss two famous quotes as they appear in chapters VI and XVIII, respectively. …show more content…

This statement can be loosely interpreted as Machiavelli in trying to analyze the unpredictable nature of man. As such, he argues that men can easily be changed. However, it takes a lot of persuasions to remain in their changed state. The quote revolves around the new principalities acquired by one’s army. According to Machiavelli, the Prince should strive by all means to imitate the examples previously set by great rulers of the past even if such an imitation may involve setting lofty goals. Failure to meet the lofty set goals means that the actions by the prince will, in one way or another, enhance his reputation as a powerful

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