Question

How does the repetition of the words cruel and cruelty affect the tone of the paragraph?

It creates a frightening and despairing tone as Machiavelli offers example after example of the actions of cruel rulers.
It creates a tone of weakness and resignation as Machiavelli ultimately shows the negative results of a ruler’s cruelty.
It creates a matter-of-fact tone as Machiavelli demonstrates the positive effects of a ruler’s cruelty.
It creates a threatening tone as Machiavelli shows what happens to people who disobey cruel rulers.

Answer 1

It creates a matter-of-fact tone as Machiavelli demonstrates the positive effects of a ruler’s cruelty.

Repetition of "cruel" and "cruelty" emphasizes the practical point he is making—presenting cruelty as a recurring, useful tool—so the tone feels pragmatic and analytical rather than emotional or moralizing.