Shakespeare Vs Machiavelli

Moderns (ACS- 1000)
February 11, 2014
The Political Power of Virtue
Niccolò Machiavelli’s, The Prince, emphasizes the need for realism, as opposed to idealism in order to achieve a functional society. He reveals the principles that a ruler must follow in order to achieve success, and acknowledges reprehensible traits of princes that are just as important for becoming an effective leader. Machiavelli discourages the idea of selfless virtue by supporting the notion that the ends justify the means. Brutus, a character from Shakespeare’s, Julius Caesar, acts virtuously in defeating Caesar, as it was preformed in the hopes of benefiting the state. The quality of virtue contained in a ruler is a focus that both Machiavelli and Shakespeare acknowledge
Although uncharacteristic for their time, Machiavelli and Shakespeare both introduce the modern view of society and the necessity of political corruption in order to maintain status and prestige while also preserving the general welfare of society.
Machiavelli emphasizes that it is impossible for the prince to satisfy everybody's expectations in society and therefore it is inevitable that he will disappoint some of his people. In order for a prince not to be virtuous, he must have the notion of the greater good for the people in mind. Machiavelli offers a perspective on the realities and not the ideals of political manipulation and morality. “I have thought it proper to represent things as they are in real truth, rather than as they are imagined…the fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way necessarily comes to grief among many who are not virtuous.
All the conspirators save only he did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He only in a general honest thought and common good to all made one of them. His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and sat to all the world ‘This was a man’” (Shakespeare, 209).
Brutus’ actions are supported by Machiavelli’s principle that the ends justify the means. Without ever taking a risk and going against the popular belief, it is impossible to see the potential benefits to come of it. Therefore Machiavelli’s statement can be justified and Brutus’ actions warranted as necessary.
Machiavelli’s presents a clear view of conflict as contributing to the stability of society. This is quite different to the prevailing view of today’s political class, yet is still experienced in everyday politics. Conflict of any sort is actively discouraged, as threatening either the stability or security of our social life. Although highly frowned upon, political forces often take action over the general population through the argument of: for the greater good. Machiavelli and Shakespeare challenged the ideas of morality. “It is far better to be feared than loved” (Machiavelli, 54). As citizens with extreme power and influence during their time, a choice had to be made in order to gain respect. In an ideal state or utopia there would be no violence or crime. Even now, however, it is impossible to accomplish this and