What is Machiavelli’s primary purpose in writing this passage?

What is Machiavelli’s primary purpose in writing this passage?

A. to inform readers about the differences between principalities and republics

B. to entertain readers with exciting stories of historical wars, conquests, and rebellions

C. to convince readers that, to hold a conquered republic, a prince must ruin it or live there

D. to persuade readers that a prince must eradicate the royal family of a conquered principality

Answer: C. to convince readers that, to hold a conquered republic, a prince must ruin it or live there

Machiavelli’s main intention in this passage, therefore, is to offer practical guidance to the rulers and mainly focuses on the issue of governing a republic that has just been conquered. He intends to convince readers, particularly those in positions of power, that there are essentially two viable options for effectively governing a conquered republic: with the purpose either to destroy it or for the conqueror to live there himself.

This advice is typical of Machiavelli’s realistic outlook on the affairs of the state, as presented in his best-known work titled “The Prince.” According to him, republics are harder to manage because they have experienced freedom, unlike prince cities which have only known the rule of a prince. It can be inferred from the communication of Machiavelli that republican establishments often develop rebellion against the new kings due to the existing memories and institutions of liberty. Hence, the only thing a conqueror can do to retain such authority in what is usually called a state is to act extremely. As stated above, the word “ruining” would perhaps imply dismantling the republican structure, abolishing the republican laws of governance as well as possibly relocating its population to curb rebellion. On the other hand, having residents in the place of occupation, the prince can facilitate unrest and immediately suppress it. This piece of advice stems from what Machiavelli sees as the need to occasionally use force to ensure order in a state and sustain its ruler’s authority. However, it should be noted that one is not aiming at advocating these actions on moral grounds, but in specifying them as a means of maintaining power in difficult conditions, as a practical view of the game as it is, a functional understanding of applicable and feasible strategies.