Reading Guide: Machiavelli's The Prince
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KSU   -  English 2110/16 & 19   -   Mr. Hagin   -   Spring 2003   -   Revised: 14 February 2003
WLRC
 
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NOTE: We will discuss Machiavelli’s The Prince in class on Tuesday 18 February 2003 and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War on Thursday 20 February 2003.  Please bring your selected book to class on both days.  Both titles reflect on similar ideas, so we can use both days of discussion to refer to both texts, when appropriate.  We will also discuss the impending war with Iraq, so I encourage everyone to review the current crisis so that you may make more thoughtful contributions in class.

1. Why should a prince become the leader of a less powerful nation?
 

2. What are the 5 tragic mistakes of a ruler?
 

3. What is the only true way to hold a city?
 

4. What do men seek to do most?
 

5. Historically, why should prophets be armed?
 

6. Which actions will win a prince a dominion, but not glory?
 

7. Which is more advantageous, acquiring power from the nobles or from the people?
 

8. Why can a prince never be truly secure against a populace?
 

9. What are the two most important features of a solid state?
 

10. Should a prince rely on mercenary armies?  Why or why not?
 

11. Why should a prince devote himself to military exercises more during times of peace?
 

12. Why should a prince study history?
 

13. Why is a wise prince also a miser?
 

14. Should a prince be quick or slow to act?  Why?
 

15. Why should a prince be indifferent to the charge of cruelty?
 

16. Is a prince better off being feared or loved?  Why?
 

17. Why are the means of force better than the means of law?
 

18. Why should a prince assume a beastlike nature?
 

19. Which animals are good models for a prince to follow?
 

20. Should a prince be a good actor?  Why?
 

21. Should a prince arm his subjects?  Why or why not?
 

22. Why is neutrality a dangerous position to declare?
 

23. Should a state join forces with another state that is more powerful?  Why or why not?
 

24. Whom should the prince listen to the most?  Why?