1. Describe the political situation that prompted Machiavelli to write The Prince. (use a Book Summary)
2. Identify the basic themes of the book.
3. What is Machiavelli's opinion about humankind? Why does he feel that way?
4. What were the mistakes of Louis XII listed by Machiavelli in Chapter 3? Why does Machiavelli dwell upon their analysis? What rule could one draw from them?
5. Explain why Machiavelli, in Chapter 5, insists so much on destruction.
6. With reference to the subject of the innovations treated in Chapter 6, give an example of success and an example of failure.
7. In Chapters 6 and 7, which vices are considered useful and advisable? Why?
8. Describe Cesare Borgia as he is presented in Chapter 7. Why did Machiavelli dedicate almost the entire chapter to him?
9. What is the course a prince should follow when choosing his advisors? What is the infallible method of recognizing a good minister?
10. Explain Machiavelli's opinions about the common people and the nobles. How does he feel about the way that a prince should be viewed by his subjects?
11. What does Machiavelli say about the military duty of a prince?
12. What is the crux of the dilemma of the prince that Machiavelli presents in Chapter 17?
13. What is the significance of the myth of Chiron in Chapter 18? What are the qualities symbolized by the fox and the lion?
14. Discuss Machiavelli's ideas about religion.
15. Why can't a prince who is not wise himself be well advised?
16. What is the role of fortune (luck) in ruling?
17. What is Machiavelli's final call to the Prince?
2. Identify the basic themes of the book.
3. What is Machiavelli's opinion about humankind? Why does he feel that way?
4. What were the mistakes of Louis XII listed by Machiavelli in Chapter 3? Why does Machiavelli dwell upon their analysis? What rule could one draw from them?
5. Explain why Machiavelli, in Chapter 5, insists so much on destruction.
6. With reference to the subject of the innovations treated in Chapter 6, give an example of success and an example of failure.
7. In Chapters 6 and 7, which vices are considered useful and advisable? Why?
8. Describe Cesare Borgia as he is presented in Chapter 7. Why did Machiavelli dedicate almost the entire chapter to him?
9. What is the course a prince should follow when choosing his advisors? What is the infallible method of recognizing a good minister?
10. Explain Machiavelli's opinions about the common people and the nobles. How does he feel about the way that a prince should be viewed by his subjects?
11. What does Machiavelli say about the military duty of a prince?
12. What is the crux of the dilemma of the prince that Machiavelli presents in Chapter 17?
13. What is the significance of the myth of Chiron in Chapter 18? What are the qualities symbolized by the fox and the lion?
14. Discuss Machiavelli's ideas about religion.
15. Why can't a prince who is not wise himself be well advised?
16. What is the role of fortune (luck) in ruling?
17. What is Machiavelli's final call to the Prince?