Abstract This paper analyzes Machiavelli's notions of a good leader, which are based on his strength, cunning and intelligence -- and not on his notions of justice or commitment to kindness. The paper contrasts these ideas, which are codified in Machiavelli's book "The Prince", with those of Plato and Thomas More, which were upbeat and idealistic.
From the Paper "To Machiavelli, a stark realist, Plato and Thomas More's upbeat idealism is a misguided attempt to credit the human race with more than they could ever achieve. The reality of it is, and Machiavelli saw this, that while Plato's writings may affect some people, and may change the thinking of small groups, it will never affect the masses so much as to cause change. Even in the time of Plato or Machiavelli there were just too many people set in their ways to hope to create a just society free of the corruption of at least one man. Machiavelli got it right when he said, "For he who wants to be a good man all the time will be ruined among so many who are not good" (Thompson 281). Based on how we live, and how we have lived for so long, anyone attempting to implement an idealistic society is doomed to fail at the hands of those who do not share his ideals."
Abstract In this analysis of Shakespeare's "Othello, the author discusses how Othello, Iago and Desdemona are victimized by the envy and jealousy of Iago's trickery. The author further emphasizes how Othello's lack of moral objectivity is often the subject of Iago's cunning. The paper then shows how this loss of moral objectivity ultimately acts as the foundation for Iago's success over Othello.
From the Paper "In these lines, Iago's envious understanding of Othello's jealousy is a successful modus operandi for his diabolical scheme to sabotage Othello's career. When Iago successfully dissolves Othello's trust in Cassio, one can see a glimpse of his anger, which would commit murder against his wife in a jealous rage. In this manner, the racial superiority that Iago feels toward his Moorish superior helps to begin the cataclysm of jealousy that cascades through Iago and then into the marriage of Othello and Desdemona."
An argument that Machiavelli was not promoting evil in leaders, in his work "The Prince, but his strategy was necessary in the emerging order of republicanism.
Abstract The paper aims to show that Machiavelli was not promoting evil in his work, "The Prince", when he advised the Prince to be cunning in the way he manages the people. Rather hist strategy of dissimulation was necessary in the emerging order of republicanism. The paper delineates the meaning of traditional political virtue, but then shows how with the rise of renaissance humanism the political order was changing and the Prince was now more answerable to the people. The paper explains that in this situation, the Prince would need to resort to cunning and dissimulation, both for his own survival and the prosperity of his princedom.
From the Paper "International relations in the modern world is largely driven by the agenda of "Realism". It describes a philosophy which maintains that nation states are not under the constraints of normal morality in their dealings with each other, and indeed, in order to survive, they must be ready to flout the ethical codes that naturally bind human beings. Many trace the origin of this political philosophy to Italian author and diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli, and specifically to his treatise The Prince. Even though the message it taught was in direst contradiction to the humanism that marks the renaissance, it nevertheless becomes part of the same evolutionary process that gives rise to modern civilization and the modern nation state."
Abstract This paper is a biographical overview of J. Edgar Hoover and his role as director of the FBI. The author details his five decades of reform, power and how he abused it. The paper also examines his controversial personality and lifestyle.
From the paper:
"The life and legacy of J. Edgar Hoover is a subject of countless books, files and theories. Rumors surrounding this man run rampant. He single-handedly created the FBI we know today, but through a scheme of illegal and amoral activities. Hoover was the most effective and powerful director of the FBI, from 1924 to 1972. He created the FBI as a separate and distinct faction of the Department of Justice, and garnered public support for his activities. He fought communism, espionage, foreign sabotage, and organized crime. Ruthless in his ways, cunning in his schemes, Hoover's influence on past and current laws and enforcement goes unchecked and unmatched by any other."
Abstract "How to Be Rid of a Rival" is a story of a naive woman, pursued for marriage by an already married man. The cunning first wife, although living in a society where women are powerless, expresses her dissatisfaction when she learns of the second wife. With revenge as her only motivation, her use of public humiliation, bribery and lies eventually drive the second wife to suicide. Recurring themes of Taoism, importance of family and the supernatural echo throughout this book.
From the Paper "The death of the grandfather raises issues of religious practice and mysticism, as his death is attributed first to Taoist beliefs and practices, because the old man swallows gold and uses sulphide of mercury to poison himself. Taoism is a Chinese doctrine that made up for the lack of attention given religion by Confucius. Perfection is achieved by the mystic who is able to see the greater truth. Perfection means the loss of self in the trace state that allows conjunction between the individual and the universal. The one to which this perfection aspires is Tao, or the total spontaneity of all things. Te is the virtue or morality of the Confucians, and for the Taoist this is the Tao inherent in anything. It is the object's power. Tao is the way and te is its power, and these are the fundamental conceptions of Taoism. When one can become one with Tao, life and death no longer matter and perfection is achieved as one becomes unrestricted by time and space. Taoism did not mention gods or saints but emphasized how perfection could be achieved by all adherents. The actions of the old man have the aura of outlawed mysticism, and the response to the old man's death includes seizing the Taoist priests who influenced him."
Tags: literature, history, religion, culture, women
Abstract There are many similarities between Gilgamesh, the legendary Babylonian king, and Odysseus, the Greek warrior famous for his cunning and fortitude. The paper shows that both characters' stories are told in poetic epics ("The Epic of Gilgamesh" by an anonymous author and ancient Greek writer, Homer's "The Odyssey"). The paper shows how both characters are engaged in quests - Gilgamesh, who is partially divine, does not wish to die and searches for a way to achieve immortality, whilst Odysseus is fully human and even rejects an offer of immortality in order to continue his struggle to return home after the end of the Trojan war. Both epics also feature the interference of the gods who encourage, assist, or thwart the two heroes and debate among themselves about the courses they should take in regard to the relatively insignificant human beings. The paper shows that the endings of the two epics are different--as might be expected from the differences in the two characters' goals. However, the basic themes of the endings have much more in common than might be expected. Gilgamesh is eventually convinced that immortality is something reserved for the gods. His partially mortal parentage means that he must die and that he should, therefore, take pleasure and pride in what is best about life rather than worrying about living forever. The paper shows that Odysseus is also intent on restoring order by returning home and in doing so, he makes the best of life, accepting fate and eventual death.
From the Paper "The episodes involving the offers of the goddesses also provide similarities and differences. In the case of Gilgamesh Ishtar "looked with longing" on his beauty and begged him to be her "bridegroom" (6.6-7). But Gilgamesh boldly rejected her, despite the list of beautiful things that she promised him, because he was aware of the sad histories of all the men and animals that she had taken for her lovers in the past. In the case of Calypso and Odysseus, however, the goddess is not accused of falseness and her offers of everything wonderful are quite serious. She does indeed want Odysseus to remain with her forever and makes the offer of immortality. He would be ageless and would "preside in our house with me / and be immortal"."
Abstract This paper is a critical evaluation of the role of women in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, based on a quote by Harold Bloom: "The role of the woman to be integrated into the schemes of men, and the cunning use of them to be examples of power in rulership." The major meaning of this role for women indicate how women play an equal part in the power play that is the basis the violent struggles of the throne that occur in the play.
Abstract William Shakespeare's play, "Othello", should be renamed "Iago" because, throughout the play, we witness the rise and fall of Iago's character. When we consider this perspective, we will assume that Iago's rise occurs from his success in turning Othello into a jealous monster. Iago is able to achieve this because he is very cunning and smart. It is also important to note that he understands jealousy because he is a jealous man as well. This paper explores the how Iago was able to rise and fall in "Othello".
From the Paper "He advises Othello to "Look to your wife; observe her will with Cassio./Wear your eye thus: not jealous, nor secure" (III.iii.195-6). Because Othello is first to mention his suspicions, Iago has successfully isolated himself from any of the blame. Kenneth Muir states that Iago "exploits the virtues as well as the weaknesses of Othello and of Desdemona, weaknesses both of character and situation" (Muir 35). Paul Cantor agrees with this notion, adding that "Iago turns everything that makes the love of Othello and Desdemona so extraordinary into an objection against it. The fact that they have overcome such differences in order to love each other becomes in Iago's view evidence for the improbability of their remaining loyal to each other" (Cantor). Iago's actions regarding these statements illustrate his cunning nature."
Abstract This paper examines how, in "The London Merchant," George Lillo's character, Sarah Millwood, is unique and how, in Darah, the reader sees a combination of Lady Macbeth, the Marquise de Merteuil, and Mrs. Marwood. It looks at how Millwood possesses strength, cunning, artifice, parasitical avarice, and a keen ability to read other people. It also explores how Millwood can discover their weaknesses, play upon those weaknesses deftly and without remorse, and uses her feminine beauty and sexual prowess to squeeze riches and tribute from gullible men.
From the Paper "Millwood uses her artifice and parasitical avarice to manipulate Barnwell into embezzling funds from his employer Thorowgood and giving the money to her. Millwood's servant Lucy states, "Tis true the youth has scruples; but she'll soon teach him to answer them, by stifling his conscience" (278). Such is the Millwood's power to subjugate her victim's scruples and replace it with lustful passion. But eventually Barnwell's inherent honesty and remorse for embezzling his master's funds overcome his obsession for Millwood and he attempts to break with her; but his escape is not successful."
Abstract In William Shakespeare's time, society adhered to the sacred view that it was God's Divine Will which selected the ruling monarch of the British nation. The playwright of "Richard II" and "Henry IV Part I", however, illustrates in these two history plays, a rather modernized concept of leadership that supports the Machiavellian view of power politics. The paper explains that Machiavelli's central argument in "The Prince" is that great politics are created and maintained by cunning men of high enterprise, who possess both virtue and prowess. The paper shows that despite their illegitimate claim and unconventional incarceration of the crown, the lead characters in Shakespeare's two plays, Henry Bolingbroke and his son Harry, showcase qualities that make them effective Machiavellian rulers who prove their worth as kings through their astute thoughts and actions.
From the Paper "Like a superior Machiavellian leader, Harry clearly shows the intelligence and aptitude for the psychological machinations required of capable kings. By his cleverly devised plan of action, Harry is able to manipulate and deceive people into believing whatever his portrayals or intentions are required from them. He does not show his full potential and aspirations to be a great leader right away, as Harry is fully aware, there are certain rules involved in getting and keeping power. A regal king is often imprisoned within the masks he must wear successfully to retain his power and be able to change his character donning different ones to keep up with his fickle fortune. Harry illustrates that if circumstance calls for heroic and daring behaviour, such as when he battles Hotspur to protect his father's throne, he becomes the lion."
Abstract This paper examines Ho Chi Minh's early life in order to understand how he impacted not only Vietnam but the world, up until his death on September 3, 1969. This paper looks at Vietnam's history and explains how Ho Chi Minh's leadership affected the country. By understanding the personality of this cunning, ruthless and murderous leader, it shows how he so easily manipulated his people, the media and others to express his goals.
From the Paper "During the period of 1919-1923, Ho became quite an activist for the Communist Movement then afoot throughout Europe and other places such as his native Asia, specifically Vietnam. He was in fact one of the founders of the French Communist Party. He studied, wrote, lectured, and organized on several fronts. He, in 1919 when President Wilson was in Paris for the Versailles Peace Conference, tried to meet with the President. He was totally rebuffed and Isolationist United States did not even consider his proposals for Vietnam's independence. A mistake which costs us dearly in the not too distant future as we all are aware of in so many ways."
Abstract This paper reviews the film 'Road to Perdition', meaning eternal damnation. The author asks how the title of the film relates to the characters and themes, and wonders whether it is a portent of things to come in the movie. Set in the late 1920s in Chicago, the film is about Michael Sullivan, whose wife and younger son were murdered by the biological child of the man who raised him after his own parents were killed. That man, John Rooney, was a gangster, and his mafia connections embolden his son, Conner. Yet, as the paper points out, the match-up between Conner and Michael is balanced, because Michael is more clever and cunning than the mafioso. The paper focuses its analysis on the theme of revenge as it relates to both men.
From the Paper "This slaying of his family gives Michael Sullivan strong ambition to seek revenge against Conner Rooney for the acts he has committed. The second convention of a revenge tragedy is also already apparent to the viewer. That convention is that the protagonist has justification (to the viewer's satisfaction) for seeking revenge. Sullivan quickly finds out that if he is to do so, he will be opposing the might of the mafia as well as the man that raised him...John Rooney. This raises a strong moral dilemma in the movie as by killing Conner Rooney, he is betraying his emotional father John Rooney. Will he seek revenge and slay the murder of his family while in the process breaking the relationship with the man that raised him and risking his own life? Or will he move on with his life still living under the protection of the mafia? Michael decides to go all the way and avenge his family's death, as he doesn't want his son following in his footsteps of organized crime."
Abstract This paper analyzes the life and accomplishments of Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin. The writer of this paper examines Stalin's role as the leader responsible for the conversion of communism in the Soviet Union from an egalitarian revolutionary movement into that of an authoritative bureaucratic governmental system, while focusing on his political and military career between 1921-1932. Stalin began his political career by joining the Social Democratic Party of Georgia in 1901. This well-researched paper discusses the views of numerous biographers who have described Stalin as a plodding figure with brutality as his main distinguishing feature. Stalin is considered the man responsible for the deaths of some 20 million people of which more than 14 million died needlessly from hunger. Stalin also deported, exiled or imprisoned in work camps more than nine million people. It is estimated that five million of the people sent by Joseph Stalin to the Gulag Archipelago never came back alive. This paper explores Stalin's intellectual strength and cunning which was first noticed upon his appointment as General Secretary of the Communist party in 1922. The rise of Stalin to power was a mix of factors as well as fate. These factors include his character and his relentless quest for power, the revolutionary zeal of Leon Trotsky, the rise of the bureaucrats and the role played by his comrades in power. The writer explains how all these factors impacted on Stalin's leadership style.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Rise of Stalin
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The strength of his intelligence and cunning was to be seen that when he came to become a General Secretary of the Communist party in 1922, he cultivated the bureaucracy and by using his maneuvering and administrative skills ensured that his potential rivals in the party were marginalized and it was this amassing of power by Stalin that made Lenin worry about the role of Stalin and call for his removal that did not take place as Lenin did not live long enough after that to see that Stalin did not utilize this accumulation of strength in the party as the means to get to the top of the existing power system in the Soviet Union. It could be said that fate also played a part in assisting the rise of Stalin to power by removing Lenin from the scene by his death. In the earlier days Lenin was the idol of Stalin and they built up a friendship that was to aid Stalin in his initial rise to power in the Communist Party. Stalin used this platform that was built on his looking on Lenin as an idol and the friendship that started between the two of them as his launching pad to power."
Abstract This paper details the significance of Penelope's character in the Greek classic "The Odyssey," by Homer. The writer contends and explains how Penelope's cleverness and cunning works to her advantage in dealing with her suitors, which she divides and pits against one another. This brief yet concise paper details the plot of Homer's poem while illustrating Penelope's personality as a clever manipulator.
From the Paper "Penelope's first reaction to the stranger is curiosity. The first thing she must know about him is exactly who he is. She asks to know about his family and his hometown. When he recounts that he once knew Odysseus, she becomes sorrowful and also speculative. She then asks him to tell her what "sort of clothes her wore; what the man himself was like, and the comrades who were with him." As he answers her question, she becomes more tearful and he attitudes toward the stranger changes. She tells him that he will be "one beloved and honored" in her halls. She also tells him that of all the stranger that have made their way to her, none have seemed so much like Odysseus in "form, voice, and feet." Here it seems as though Penelope may be aware that the stranger is indeed Odysseus but she never acknowledges this fact forthright."
Abstract This paper presents a comparison and contrast of Odysseus and Ulysses. It shows that on the one hand Ovid's "Ulysses" reveals striking similarities to Homer's "Odysseus" in that he is a hero who frequently engages in what we would today consider morally dubious actions; but whose defining characteristics are intellect and cunning rather than strength or success in battle.
From the Paper "A comparison and contrast of the representation of the character of Odysseus in Homer's epic The Odyssey and Ulysses from Ovid's Metamorphoses is complicated by two key issues. The first complication is that while they are essentially the same character in the mythic narrative of ancient Greece, Homer's representation is - as best we know - the original version of the character. Ovid's Ulysses is a Roman recreation of the original, shaped by the language and culture of classical Rome, many centuries after Homer. The second key complication is the fact that Odysseus is the protagonist of a immense poetic epic by Homer, whereas the Ulysses of Ovid is merely a minor character in the Metamorphoses."
