Question

I say that the nobles ought to be looked at mainly in two ways: that is to say, they either shape their course in such a way as binds them entirely to your fortune, or they do not. Those who so bind themselves, and are not rapacious, ought to be honoured and loved; those who do not bind themselves may be dealt with in two ways; they may fail to do this through pusillanimity and a natural want of courage, in which case you ought to make use of them, especially of those who are of good counsel; and thus, whilst in prosperity you honour them, in adversity you do not have to fear them.

–The Prince,
Niccolò Machiavelli

How does the author's diction affect the tone of the text?

The use of slang words creates a relaxed, informal tone.
The use of academic language creates an angry and disdainful tone.
The use of academic language gives the text a serious and instructive tone.
The use of words with strong connotative meanings creates a sorrowful tone.

Answer 1

The use of academic language gives the text a serious and instructive tone.

Machiavelli’s formal diction—words like “rapacious,” “pusillanimity,” “adversity,” “counsel,” and the structured, advisory phrasing—creates a measured, authoritative voice aimed at instructing the reader, not a relaxed, angry, or sorrowful tone.