ipl-logo

Book Of The Courtier Analysis

798 Words4 Pages

In The Book of the Courtier, Castiglione describes the qualities a courtier must have in order to be considered perfect. However, although the courtier must be perfect, he is inevitably a human at the core. Taking on an important position such as the courtier, requires one to keep up with appearances and meet all expectations with complete disregard for opinions that do not align with the rules. Courtiers are still human and are thus bound to make mistakes, but since the people have very high expectations for them, it can leave them feeling extremely pressured. Castiglione mentions that the courtier must do the following: avoid melancholy, always agree with the prince; and project good virtues upon the prince. Although these three actions are …show more content…

He must avoid foolish arrogance, lying, and boasting (125). I agree with this demand because the courtier has to be an image that motivates others in a way that they will not feel the need to express the same negative emotions. This is especially true for the prince because the actions of the courtier could affect the emotional state of the prince, thus affect his judgement. This is similar to the way in which modern day workers maintain a certain level of professionalism that is not only shown verbally, but physically as well. Although the prince would be honest in speaking about his emotions, his words, which reflect a negative presence around the prince could also be interpreted as disrespect. This is because the courtier must satisfy the prince to the best of his ability. Additionally, Castiglione mentions that the courtier must focus on projecting all of his ambitions, actions, and behaviors onto the prince (125). These positive actions are promoted to in order to influence the prince to also participate in the same ambitions, actions, and …show more content…

This ensures that the ruler will be honest and in the best interest of the group as a whole. Additionally, Castiglione believed virtue was related to prudence in the way that a person can decipher right from wrong. He also believed that when men engage in imprudence, it puts them at risk for making false judgement (292). He wanted to indicate that when a person disregards morals, they invite the possibility of inconsistency within their moral judgement. This could possibly cloud their judgement in the future in regards to morals. This is why I agree with requiring the prince to reflect moral virtues. When people see other people doing good deeds, they are more likely to follow that same behavior. Such an influential image such as the courtier is surely a great influencer for the people and the

Show More
Related
1021 Words | 5 Pages

A saying for a king to understand is “Furthermore, since each part is ordered to the whole as imperfect to perfect, and since each single man is a part of the perfect community, law necessarily concerns itself particularly with communal happiness” (Aquinas). Kings unfortunately lost power and this caused confusion and ruckus in the part of leadership in the Middle

Read More
676 Words | 3 Pages

In Niccolo Machiavelli's book, The Prince (1513), he evaluates on how a prince can be a successful leader. Machiavelli’s purpose of this guidebook was to construct his argument to the rising ruler Giuliano de Medici for when he comes to power in Florence. He adopts a casual but authoritative tone in order to convince the prince that Machiavelli’s evaluation on how to be the best prince, is the right thing for the prince to do without coming off as he knows more than the prince or is trying to intimidate him.. Machiavelli’s reference to previous rulers and whether their tactics failed or succeeded helps to benefit his credibility along with his allusion to historic text. He appeals to our logic by simply stating a prince can only do what is within his power to control, and his use of an analogy furthers his argument.

Read More
762 Words | 4 Pages

Machiavelli argues the perfect prince will be both feared and loved by his people, and if unable to be both he will make himself feared and not hated. Machiavelli believes it is much safer to be feared than to be loved because people are less likely to offend and stand up against strong characters, also people are less concerned in offending a prince who has made himself loved. Accordingly, Machiavelli believes generosity is harmful to your reputation and the choice between being generous or stingy, merciful or cruel, honest or deceitful, should only be important if it aids the prince in political power. All in all, Machiavelli believes the ruler must be a great deceiver and do what is essential to uphold power over the

Read More
1114 Words | 5 Pages

In Nicholls essay, The Testing of Courtesy at Camelot and Hautdesert, the author argues that courtesy serves to mask the true desire for violence in King Arthur’s court. “ Politeness is a veneer over the violence latent in human affairs and courtesy…[it] acts as a restraining

Read More
1310 Words | 6 Pages

There are many different views regarding how a prince should rule, but in The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, he advises Lorenzo de' Medici to rule with absolute power and to take extreme measures when necessary to maintain his power. Machiavelli wrote The Prince in 1513 with the intent of convincing Lorenzo de’ Medici to give him an advising position within the Florentine government. Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian writer and politician who lived from 1469 to 1527. In the dedication of his book, which was written in 1513, he explains that his writing is the most valuable thing that he has to offer. Through his detailed accounts of history and his ruthless approach to ruling Machiavelli explains why he tends to favor the ancients and has

Read More
1000 Words | 4 Pages

Kaitlyn Coleman Mr. Edwards ENGL 2130 9 March 2018 Nature’s Role in Realism Literary naturalism uses raw and natural emotions to express the importance of nature in literature, and it is a branch of realism. Literary naturalists relate humans to their animalistic characteristics. By doing so, the author shows that humans and animals are the same, and a humans ontology is irrelevant.

Read More
1492 Words | 6 Pages

The Prince and the Discourses, by Machiavelli as a gift to the prince. Because it was the best thing that Niccolo Machiavelli could give to him. He was trying to teach the prince ways to stay in power. Machiavelli even stated it himself “I can consider of this subject, discussing what a principality is, the variety of such states, how they are won, how they are held, and how they are lost” (Machiavelli xxiv). The main focus of his work was with monarchies because he did not care for republics.

Read More
954 Words | 4 Pages

One aspect of Machiavelli’s theory which significantly contributes to his reputation as the “philosopher of evil,” is his advice to the prince on keeping their word to the public. In chapter eighteen, Machiavelli states, “a wise ruler cannot, and should not, keep his word when doing so is to his disadvantage, and when the reasons that led him to promise to do so no longer apply” (pg. 37). To simplify, Machiavelli says princes are obligated to lie in certain circumstances. He also states that while it is unnecessary for the prince to have positive qualities, such as honesty, trustworthiness, sympathy, compassion, or be religious, it is essential for the prince to be viewed so by the public (pg. 37). While many people argue that Machiavelli’s legitimization of lying and deception in politics is immoral, I argue the opposite.

Read More
1284 Words | 6 Pages

In Machiavelli’s book, The Prince, he maintains a harsh perspective on reality. His advice on how to maintain power leaves no room for compassion or generousity. While some may believe that these are qualities of a good person, Machiavelli believes these qualities lead to the downfall of rulers. He acknowledges that, in reality, it is impossible for someone to have qualities of a good person and simultaneously a good ruler. Machiavelli’s realistic outlook causes him to emphasize that it is better to maintain power through fear, rather than compassion.

Read More
726 Words | 3 Pages

In the book, “The Courtier” Castiglione mentions certain traits that are essential for the man that will the title of being a courtier. Specifically, in his writing, he expands on the meaning of grace, affectation, and nonchalance. This is revealed in a series of conversations during the game that was to be performed in the Duchess’ favor. He talks about these characteristics in in an effort to give an idea of the specific traits the most perfect courtier must have. The qualities must not only be shown but they must also be genuinely come from within.

Read More
1659 Words | 7 Pages

The book “Princess” written by Jean Sasson tells the life of ‘Sultana’, (The name of the princess, Sultana is a substitute for her real name due to the dangers she could later face if traced) a Saudi princess bounded by a strict society that she says define women nothing more than a tool to fulfill their sexual desires and bearer of their children. “From an early age, the male child is taught that women are of little value: They exist only for his comfort and convenience” (chapter introduction, princess). This book depicts how even the royal woman are beaten, executed and enslaved by their fathers, sons and husbands. It paints a shady image of the Saudi society in our minds showing the different shadows of grays in a colorful pallet. For example the book tells about a Fillipino woman who had shifted to Saudi Arabia to work as a servant in one of the ‘reputed rich families’, later realizing that her duties also consisted of pleasing the employer and his two sons sexually.

Read More
722 Words | 3 Pages

However, the prince continued to be honest and truthful throughout his adventure well into becoming king, even though it would get him into trouble. In the story of The Prince and the Pauper, the prince lived a mostly immoral life as a prideful, self-centered, but honest person until his conversion to leading a moral life as a venerable King. Throughout the story, Edward changes over time from a prideful prince to a humble venerable king.

Read More
1526 Words | 7 Pages

Instead a vice like miserliness will enable a prince to properly govern (Machiavelli,

Read More
1282 Words | 6 Pages

In contrast, the speaker in the “My Last Duchess” is flippant, jealous and manipulative, which argues that the speaker is complaining about his wife reflect how some powerful men cannot accept their own failure and place

Read More
930 Words | 4 Pages

According to Machiavelli, ideal prince is a risk-taker who puts a military on action, as the people respect the warrior. An ideal prince thinks for himself rather than relying on others, knows how to read characters, and does not surround himself with flatterers. He lives in reality, not fantasy. He works hard, utilizes his own mind, and makes survival of his guide. The ideal leader is neither loved nor hated, but respected.

Read More

More about Book Of The Courtier Analysis

Related Topics

Open Document