Question

Read the passage from chapter 17 of The Prince. Therefore a prince, so long as he keeps his subjects united and loyal, ought not to mind the reproach of cruelty; because with a few examples he will be more merciful than those who, through too much mercy, allow disorders to arise, from which follow murders or robberies; for these are wont to injure the whole people, whilst those executions which originate with a prince offend the individual only. What meaning is emphasized by the use of the words merciful and mercy in the passage?

A.Machiavelli suggests that the cruel prince would like to be more merciful. B.Machiavelli forces readers to carefully consider the meanings of the words merciful and mercy.
C.Machiavelli forces readers to decide whether executions and robberies are acceptable.
D.Machiavelli is giving both mercy and merciful a more negative connotation.

Answer 1

The answer is: B. Machiavelli forces readers to carefully consider the meanings of the words merciful and mercy.

Machiavelli explains in this passage that being merciful is not necessarily a good thing when it allows for bad things to happen to the collectivity. Being too merciful might mean your people will have to suffer the consequences of your soft heart, according to the author.

That reflection is probably surprising to most readers, who think of mercy as kindness and forgiveness. Machiavelli tries to make people see it from his point of view: mercy in itself is not bad but, if wrongly and excessively applied, might end up causing more harm than good.

Answer 2

Step 1: Determine which options are correct

What meaning is emphasized by the use of the words merciful and mercy in the passage?

- Option B: Machiavelli forces readers to carefully consider the meanings of the words merciful and mercy.

The only option that makes sense is Option B because he emphasizes the words such as merciful and mercy to make sure the reader carefully examine the words and their meanings in order to understant the passed in full detail.

Look at attachment