The “Rainbow” Group should answer TWO of the following. In
case you've forgotten, the group consists of Cody G, Mariana E, Kate
C, Tim V, Savanna T, Skyler H, Callie C, Taylor J, Jaren
S, Kyle F, .Babette R
Answer two of the following:
Q1: In Chapter 11 Machiavelli writes, "the main foundations of every state...are good laws and good arms; and because you cannot have good laws without good arms, and where there are good arms, good laws inevitably follow, I shall not discuss laws but give my attention to arms" (40). Why are arms more important than laws, especially since most countries today believe that a Constitution (or related document) is the foundation of a ruler's power?
Q2: In Chapter 13, he writes that "armor belonging to someone else either drops off you or weighs you down or is too tight" (46). How does this metaphor relate to the business of being a Prince and and wielding "good arms"?
Q3: In these chapters, Machiavelli describes the various qualities necessary to become an ideal prince. How do these compare to the qualities of an ideal courtier/gentleman in Renaissance society? How realistic or idealistic is he in presenting these qualities to the reader? (in other words, does he believe that the ideal is possible--or does he acknowledge it's all a sham?)
Q4: In one of his more controversial statements, Machiavelli states that "it is far better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both" (54). Why is this? Also, what does this say about his fundamental understand of human psychology based on his study of history and politics? And does fear necessarily mean hatred?
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