Question

Whenever those states which have been acquired as

stated have been accustomed to live under their own laws
and in freedom, there are three courses for those who
wish to hold them: the first is to ruin them, the next is to
reside there in person, the third is to permit them to live
under their own laws, drawing a tribute, and establishing
within it an oligarchy which will keep it friendly to you.
Because such a government, being created by the prince,
knows that it cannot stand without his friendship and
interest, and does its utmost to support him; and
therefore he who would keep a city accustomed to
freedom will hold it more easily by the means of its own
citizens than in any other way.
-The Prince,
Niccolò Machiavelli
What is the author's primary purpose in writing this
passage? to inform
What does
how to mato inform
What is his to entertain
to persuade
ost want the reader to know?
pose?
How does Machiavelli work to achieve his secondary
purpose?

Answer 1

Niccolò Machiavelli's primary purpose in this passage from 'The Prince' is to persuade readers of effective strategies to maintain political control over newly acquired territories. He advocates allowing territories to live under their laws while establishing a supportive oligarchy and explains the benefits of this approach through logical arguments and examples.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary purpose of Niccolò Machiavelli in the passage from The Prince is to persuade his audience regarding effective strategies for a ruler to hold onto newly acquired territories that are accustomed to self-rule. Machiavelli outlines three options for maintaining control: destruction of the state, residing in the state, or allowing the state to maintain its own laws while establishing an oligarchy loyal to the ruler. He suggests the latter as the most effective means for stability and control.

The passage calls for readers to consider the practicalities of governance and the often harsh realities of political power. He is not simply informing; he is making an argument for a certain kind of political strategy or behavior by leaders. This persuasion is accomplished through his analytical tone and the presentation of clear, pragmatic options for a ruler to consider.

The secondary purpose is to explain the reasoning behind this approach. In achieving this, Machiavelli relies on logical arguments and historical examples, citing the benefits of a ruler-supported oligarchy that has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and thereby supporting the ruler's power.