Question

Read the passage from chapter 17 of The Prince.

Therefore a prince, so long as he keeps his subjects united and loyal, ought not to mind the reproach of cruelty; because with a few examples he will be more merciful than those who, through too much mercy, allow disorders to arise, from which follow murders or robberies; for these are wont to injure the whole people, whilst those executions which originate with a prince offend the individual only.

What meaning is emphasized by the use of the words merciful and mercy in the passage?

Machiavelli suggests that the cruel prince would like to be more merciful.
Machiavelli forces readers to carefully consider the meanings of the words merciful and mercy.
Machiavelli forces readers to decide whether executions and robberies are acceptable.
Machiavelli is giving both mercy and merciful a more negative connotation.

Answer 1

Machiavelli is giving both mercy and merciful a more negative connotation.

He argues that excessive mercy can cause disorder, murder, and robbery that harm the whole people, whereas a few harsh executions harm only individuals—so "mercy" is portrayed as dangerous rather than purely virtuous.