Analyzing Ideas, Structure, and Purpose in Machiavelli’s The Prince
Question 3 • ELA 10B - 2023
Read this paragraph from chapter 5 of The Prince.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 prin
Answer
A
A prince can hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom only by first ruining it, then moving there and establishing an oligarchy that is loyal to him.
T
There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it, live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him—and the third way is easiest.
A
A prince can hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom only by first ruining it, then moving there and winning the citizens’ loyalty by granting them freedom.
T
There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it, live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him, all of which are equally effective.