The correct answer is answer C ("The words with positive connotations soften the ones with negative connotations to create a serious, matter-of-fact tone").
The tone of this excerpt is remarkably pragmatic for speaking about such horrific matter. Machiavelli achieves this by never losing sight of his aim, which is to instruct efficiency. <u>He's very aware of the delicate nature of the subject matter</u>. Without omitting important details even though they may seem cruel or gruesome, he's able to keep a cold tone by neutralizing these negative connotations with positive language.
This effect is made more clear in the last paragraph:
"For <u>injuries</u> ought to be done all at one time, so that, <u>being tasted less,</u> <u>offend less</u>..." - Here he's talking about necessary punishment and mercy at the same time.
"Benefits ought to be given <u>little by little</u>, so that the <u>flavour may last longer</u>..." - Machiavelli is talking about manipulation and using the word flavour which has a positive connotation that softens the cruel nature of the act.
Hope this helps!
