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 remind 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.

Which statement best summarizes the author's claim?

A cruel prince risks robberies and murders.

A cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long run.

A cruel prince should not mind having murders and robberies.

A cruel prince will always have subjects who work hard for him.

Question

Twinkle

English

26 December, 11:04

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 remind 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.

Which statement best summarizes the author's claim?

A cruel prince risks robberies and murders.

A cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long run.

A cruel prince should not mind having murders and robberies.

A cruel prince will always have subjects who work hard for him.

+5

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Jacqueline Montgomery · Answer 1

A cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long run.

Micheal Ross · Answer 2

A cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long run.

Explanation:

This is the statement that best summarizes the passage because the author describes a context in which an acceptable amount of cruelty is desirable. According to the author, this is the case when a Prince utilizes cruelty to punish a subject who has broken the law or violated the norms of the justice system.

By enforcing the law with a heavy hand, future disorders and calamities can be avoided that would be far worse for the people in general. In the case of the cruel execution of a criminal, few people would protest the measure.