Machiavelli s The Prince By Niccolo Machiavelli - 1943 Words

Niccolà ² Machiavelli’s The Prince is a book that examines the qualities and strategies required for a ruler in order to maintain power. Despite being composed in the 16th century, the ideas presented are applicable even to mythical kings from texts over a thousand years ago. Throughout the story of Seneca’s Oedipus, substantial connections could be made between Oedipus and The Prince’s ideas of rule, such as methods in acquiring principalities, channeling subjects’ fear, the use of cruelty and controlling circumstance. In this essay, I will first talk about these ideas presented in The Prince, then suggest how Machiavelli might evaluate the character, strategies, leadership, and fortunes of Seneca’s Oedipus. Based on these four factors, I†¦show more content†¦But I did unlash the knot of her enigma’s webbed deceit, the grimly riddling song of the winged beast. Jocasta: †¦. Thebes’ scepter was your prize for glorious deeds, your payment for destruction of the Sphinx. (Seneca 203) Machiavelli might assess that Oedipus obtains his kingship of Thebes by solving the Sphinx’s riddle with his wits and wisdom. In spite of the danger he faces, he does not shy away from the opportunity of saving the city. Although Oedipus experiences great difficulty in attaining power, Machiavelli would have faith in his ability to maintain it, because Oedipus acquires his principality through his own arms and ability. Furthermore, Machiavelli presents ideas about the qualities that rulers should have in order to avoid contempt in Chapter XIX: What will make him despised is being considered inconstant, frivolous, effeminate, pusillanimous and irresolute†¦ He should contrive that that his actions should display grandeur, courage, seriousness and strength. (Machiavelli 64) In fact, Jocasta echoes these ideas in her advice to Oedipus as he is confronted with the plague: Being king, I think, means this: coming to grips with what confronts you. The harder it is to stand, the more power’s burden slips and slides, the more determinedly you must take your stand. Be brave!Show MoreRelatedNiccolo Machiavelli s The Prince1719 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli’s, The Prince, a book written by Niccolà ² Machiavelli, is a read that most people wouldn’t prefer to read as a first option but in defense to Niccolo, it brings out many themes such as Goodwill and Hatred, Free will, and Human Nature. â€Å"It is known from his personal correspondence that The Prince was written during 1513, the year after the Medici took control of Florence, and a few months after Machiavelli s arrest, torture, and banishment by the Medici regime† (Bio.com). The novel wasRead MoreNiccolo Machiavelli s The Prince892 Words   |  4 PagesNiccolà ² Machiavelli wrote The Prince with the sole purpose of impressing the Medici family and getting on the good si de of the new ruler of Florence, Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici. 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In his younger years, Niccolo became a diplomat after the downfall of the Medici family in 1494. Machiavelli earned the reputation of vicious since he enjoyed tormenting his associates. In 1512, the Medici family came to power once again and Machiavelli was accused of conspiracy thus was tortured, jailed and nonetheless banished from getting involved in politics and from Florence (Niccolo Machiavelli