Machiavelli and his Power Through
The Prince
Final Novel Paper
Evan Cunningham
May 18, 2008
6th Hour
AP Literature
Mrs. Shuell
The Era of Renaissance, which originated in Southern Europe, was time that symbolized a golden light at the end of the tunnel that was the Dark Ages of medieval Europe. Culture, science, and philosophy flourished and spread, igniting minds and inspiring epiphanies among the minds that would soon change the world with their accomplishments and contributions to mankind. On such mind was Niccolo Machiavelli, an intellectual and politician who would soon compile his experience and thought into book that would serve as a practical guide to ruling a sovereign state, meant as a gift to the ruling family of Florence. This book however would move on to influence new political thought and theory, serving as a catalyst to the intellectual growth of western civilization. In Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, Machiavelli focuses on social and political concepts such as statesmanship and political image that would allow a head of state in his time to gain and retain power among his subjects.
Understandably so, Machiavelli addresses the importance of proficiency in statesmanship and places great emphasis of a proficiency in the craft of war. Throughout the book, but precisely so when the role of a Prince in military affairs is addressed, Machiavelli strongly stresses the importance of military prowess and knowledge and how it directly relates to the ability of a Prince become affluent and remain sovereign among his people. The political disposition of Machiavelli toward war thus leads him to say, “A Prince should therefore have no care or thought but for war, and for the regulations and training it requires, and should apply himself exclusively to this as peculiar province... (37)” Because of the political climate of Europe and Italy during Machiavelli’s time, military strength determined a...