Qualities In The Courtier By Castiglione

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.
“Grace should be an adornment informing and accompanying all his actions, so that he appears worthy of the companionship and favour of the great” (55). A strong level of charm and attractiveness is an essential trait for a potential courtier. His idea of grace focuses highly on charisma, which should come as a natural characteristic within their persona. Genuinity is important because it ensures that the man who believes he is worthy of serving the courts does in fact harbor genuine grace.

He must show a variety of skills and characteristics that will help not only to maintain his reputation, but help to set an example for the others as well. Castiglione mentions an innumerable amount of qualities which included grace, affectation, and nonchalance. As Castiglione states, “A man who behaves with grace finds it with others” (65). If the courtier can find a quality like grace within himself, then he is able to identify with others and lead them in the right direction. The courtier exemplifies qualities that all the others, with the exception of the courtier and those in the court must exhibit: compliance. There is zero tolerance for cowardice and misbehavior in the judgement of the court. The perfect courtier has a substantial amount of pressure because aside from being expected to be completely flawless, he serves as a role