Read the excerpt from chapter 8 of The Prince. Hence it is to be remarked that, in seizing a state, the usurper ought to examine closely into all those injuries which it is necessary for him to inflict, and to do them all at one stroke so as not to have to repeat them daily; and thus by not unsettling men he will be able to reassure them, and win them to himself by benefits. He who does otherwise, either from timidity or evil advice, is always compelled to keep the knife in his hand; neither can he rely on his subjects, nor can they attach themselves to him, owing to their continued and repeated wrongs. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by little, so that the flavour of them may last longer. How does Machiavelli’s use of words such as seizing, usurper, inflict, knife, win, reassure, and benefits affect the tone of the passage? A. There are more words with negative ones than positive ones, creating a frightening tone. B. There are more words with negative ones than positive ones, creating a threatening tone. C. The words with positive connotations soften the ones with negative connotations to create a serious, matter-of-fact tone. D. The words with positive connotations are used to create an encouraging tone.
The words with positive connotations soften the ones with negative connotations to create a serious, matter-of-fact tone.
Answer: Option C.
<u>Explanation:</u>
The following excerpt has been taken from 'The Prince' which is written by Niccolo Machiavelli in which Chapter 8 is concerned with those people who have obtained in them the principality by wickedness.
This proves a very good example for the people who want to understand the intricacies of ascending or increasing themselves in the politics or in the seat of power.
