Analyzing Rhetorical Techniques in Machiavelli’s The Prince
Question 3 • ELA 10B - 2023
Read the passage from chapter 17 of The Prince.Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you.
Answer
A
It suggests a fearful tone in the passage.
B
It ensures readers understand its significance in the passage.
C
It softens the tone of the passage.
D
It suggests the personal fear that Machiavelli feels.
Explanation
The phrase “as is said above” refers readers back to an earlier point in the text, helping them connect that idea to Machiavelli’s current argument about whether a ruler should be feared or loved. It emphasizes how people appear loyal when danger is distant but may turn against a ruler when danger arrives. Thus, the phrase helps readers understand the significance of this example in the passage; it does not show Machiavelli’s personal fear.
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