Machiavelli's comedy

Author: Liu Xiaofeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Machiavelli's extraordinary quality lies in the fact that he was both a genius playwright and an outstanding thinker. A serious reader who is amused by his works will surely ask: How are these comedies connected to his political writings? — Frommann-Hafer Comedy exists to be beneficial and pleasing to the audience. Recognizing the greed of the elderly, the passion of lovers, the tricks of servants, the gluttony of food lovers, the stinginess of the poor, the ambition of the rich, the flattery of prostitutes, and the treachery of everyone — indeed, it can benefit anyone, especially the young. The purpose of comedy is: a mirror of private life. However, holding up this mirror requires elegance, using words that can amuse people, making them eager to pursue extreme joy, only then can they savor the useful lessons hidden beneath the extreme pleasure. — Machiavelli The main articles in this book explore the origin, themes, and intentions of Machiavelli's most famous, original comedy, Mandragola. The researchers examine Machiavellian "virtue" based on ancient "virtue" and Christian "virtue."