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__Wiki Post #1__ (10/4/11)

 * Summary:** This book thus far has been about the principalities in Italy and France in the 14th century. Machiavelli discusses how these principalities are ruled and how they are to be acquired. He also shows how works into the ruling of these principalities, as well as why certain principalities aren't successful. Machiavelli also specifically references certain princes within each annexed area and how they were influential in the different ways they ruled.
 * Analysis:** I am not enjoying this book at all. The subject, while very informative and enlightening on the topic of early European principalities, is very dull and hard to follow at certain times. The subject itself is very dry, and therefore makes this book even more difficult to read, even considering the short length of the text. Machiavelli's writing style is also very bland and overly-analytical, however it is clear how passionate and interested he is in the subject he is writing about. That being said, I'm dreading the continuation of reading this book.
 * Application:** This book applies to the essential question in a very small, very specific connection. Since the story is only about princes and principalities of Western Europe, the characteristics of these elitists and their rulings in history is very concentrated. These princes exemplify the same human traits of courage, pride, and an extreme distaste for failure that all humans exhibit, but on a much more grandiose scale and at the expense of entire territories of people. This book also displays how humans have developed an intricately complex system of communities that are formatted in a social hierarchy. In order to create this structure, these princes must have had a strong set of skills including analytical abilities, patience, desire for greatness, uninhibited action, and a firm understanding of the complexities of human communication.

__Wiki Post #2__

 * Summary:** In continuing this book, the subject hasn't changed since the last chapters, however these chapters look more into how these principalities are acquired. Machiavelli gives the reference to acquisition by one's own means, by the good of others, by good fortune, and by wickedness. He gives specific mention to two princes of good fortune- Francesco Sforza and Cesare Borgia- comparing the two in which ways the were lucky (or not so lucky) to attain (or lose) their principalities.
 * Analysis:** Like the last post, this book is awful. The content gets less and less interesting, and I'm finding it more and more difficult to focus on this text. That being said, it's giving me a huge appreciation for Machiavelli, since he was able and willing to complete this text and remain interested in the writings he was creating for the Medici family. His commitment to his work and his love for what he was writing is astounding, and I can't even imagine what it would be like to be so passionate about something that the vast majority of people are so uninterested in.
 * Application:** In regards to the generalities of human nature reflected in this book, I'm picking up on a huge theme that I didn't mention in the last post. I'm noticing that Machiavelli is portraying both the good ways of doing things as well as the bad ways of doing things, and goes on stating the consequences for both actions. Point blank, Machiavelli is using this elite group of individuals to promote basic ideas of the good and bad within people, done so by portraying these natures of men in a much more drastic scale. Having him talk about these princes taking principalities or gaining them from peaceful means shows the heart of these princes, reflecting the hearts of people that Machiavelli saw in these men. Machiavelli is basically performing a human interest survey, accounting for the fact that men either decide to do things the good way or the bad way.

__Wiki Post #3__

 * Summary:** No surprise here, the book continues to talk about princes and principalities. In these chapters, Machiavelli discusses civil principalities, the power of principalities and how it should should be judged, ecclesiastic principalities and the involvement of the Catholic church, troops and warfare in principalities, and mercenaries and other war forces and how they affect society. Machiavelli also poses his beliefs on the princes in governing these types of principalities, saying that "a prince must have no other objective, no other thought, nor take up any profession but that of war."
 * Analysis:** No surprise here, I still am finding no enjoyment in this book. I have no interest in what Machiavelli is talking about, and I don't find any fascination with the subject. Keeping this in mind, I further my appreciation for Machiavelli and his analyses on something he found to be so important, but I'm incapable of replicating the same interest this subject. My new goal is just to make it through the book as quickly as possible.
 * Application:** Two of the biggest aspects of human nature were discussed in these chapters: religion and war. In discussing religion, Machiavelli actually averted his attention to a unique type of principality- one that has a ruler based in religion and not as associated with the common tendencies of a non-religious principalities. In regarding this, Machiavelli shows a certain acceptance and appreciation for principalities that are able to govern themselves with such precedence. This idea of religious-based governing is still seen and respected today, especially with Catholic provinces like the Vatican. His other addressed topic of the importance of war is also seen in the world today, as most countries revert to war when they are in the position to use conflictive means.

__Wiki Post #4__

 * Summary:** The subject has actually slightly shifted to a more global scale, as Machiavelli is now addressing not only princes, but men in general. In these chapters, he discusses how men are to be praised for their actions, the generous and ungenerous natures of men, and the all-too-famous question of whether it is better to be loved than to be feared, or the reverse, since the achievement of both, while desired, is unattainable. Also mentioned are how princes should keep their word and their need to avoid contempt. All in all, these chapters pose the most important questions in the novel, and Machiavelli's true meaning for writing this saga is revealed.
 * Analysis:** While I still don't enjoy this story in any sense, I'm finally finding the real relevance of why the story was written. The fact that Machiavelli is the person who posed whether it is better to be loved or feared makes this one of the most relevant stories ever written. This question has been answered in several ways throughout history, and to finally comprehend the direct reference means that this reading has not gone unwarranted. Luckily, the book is almost finished, so I am anticipating the final chapters.
 * Application:** While it took a while to come to, Machiavelli has finally made reference to the nature of men- not just as princes, but men in general. The aspects of generosity, praises of man, love and fear, power, strength, honesty, fulfillment, contempt, and hatred are some of the most relatable aspects of humanity reflected in these princes. The fact that these aspects are the ones that Machiavelli chooses to write about reflect the fact that Machiavelli wasn't solely referring to princes when writing this book. He was doing a human analysis, looking at humanity in society and the emotive actions they use to be solid contenders in the global scheme. Bottom line, Machiavelli has finally concerned his ideas with the rest of the world, finally directly relating the story to all of humanity.

__Wiki Post #5__

 * Summary:** In the concluding chapters of this book, the story covers fortresses and their usefulness, the esteem of princes, the princes of Italy and why they've lost their states, the influence of fortune in human affairs, and Italy under the rule of the Barbarians. Machiavelli touches on the accordances of free will, the rights of citizens within the principalities, and the role of fortune in deciding on new princes. Also, Machiavelli's ultimate motive for writing the novel are explained, and the reader is able to understand that he isn't as diabolical as he first appeared.
 * Analysis:** I'm so glad it's over. I've gained a full appreciation for Machiavelli and I respect his opinions and ideas, but I don't replicate his enthusiasm. This was by far the worst book I've ever read (next to Macbeth), and I hope to never read it again. That being said, I do now understand the historical significance of this book, as it is a very detailed outlining of the makings of good and bad princes and principalities in medieval Europe. The content is certainly dated, but it's clearly stated how every ruler should and shouldn't rule any nation.
 * Application:** This book not only shows the inherent traits necessary to be a good ruler, but also the inherent traits of what makes a good society. A good ruler must be willing to listen to his people and provide for them security from the threats of conquering nations, disease, and destruction. They must be able to empower and display bravery, generosity, loyalty to his or her people, and a keen intellect. Along with this, their society must b e equally receptive of this ruler, embodying good traits of a goods nation. They must be patient, practical, loyal to their leader, and perform all of their roles productively, efficiently, and safely. If both of these bodies fulfills these actions, the society in which they live will thrive accordingly.

__Wiki Post #1__

 * Summary:** In the beginning chapters of this book, Wilde introduces Basil Hallward, a semi-socially-introverted painter and his acquaintance Lord Henry Wotton, a rich well-to-do who has a knack for corrupting the good in people. The two are examining one of Hallward's most recent portraits, depicting a fine-looking young man named Dorian Gray. Met in the second chapter, this character is described as one of the most stunning young men to face the Earth- a man who shows much desire and much innocence. Upon the painting's completion, the posing Gray takes it to his house for admiration. Over the span of the chapters, Gray and Hallward's friendship weakens as Wotton grows closer to Gray, and circumstances allow Gray to meet a young actress named Sybil, and the two take a fancy to each other.
 * Analysis:** Although I'm not as far along as I'd like to be in the story, I have a feeling the best is yet to come. Already I'm enjoying this story more than //The Prince// because this story actually has a plot. In looking at this story, I'm slightly astounded at how Wilde portrays the relationships between these characters. Hallward, Wotton, and Gray all are written with the context of extreme fondness for each other. The fondness seems to be more than just friendship level, and knowing Wilde's history, these characters may be a reflection of men he fraternized with. His style is eloquent though, and proves to be very interesting. I have a feeling that interesting plot twists are in store in the next chapters.
 * Application:** In only the first few chapters of the story, it is evident that there are many inherent human characteristics portrayed in this story. Things like friendship, jealousy, innocence, and corruption are all going to play large roles in the plot developments. Friendships are seen through Hallward and Gray, Hallward and Wotton, and unexpectedly through Wotton and Gray. Jealousy is evident in Hallward's role, as he feels envy for the fact that Gray is closer friends with Wotton than himself. Gray is the epitome of innocence in this story, and Wotton acts as the driving force of corruption. These four themes are seen on several levels of human nature. They span throughout basic relationships and interactions to interactions on global scales between mass groups of people.

__Wiki Post #2__

 * Summary:** In these chapters of the story, it is clear how the portrait of Dorian plays relevant. Each time Dorian looks at the painting of himself, he sees a different emotional development within one of the bodily features. After the happening with Sybil's unexpected death, he sees the grief and unhappiness associated with it, however it isn't over Sybil, but the idea of Sybil (which is related to a confusing encounter with Henry). The tension between Basil and Dorian also increases as Basil detects the changing mood of Dorian. Because of all the unpleasantness associated with his portrait, Dorian stows it away in his school room, where he receives a gift from Henry regarding Sybil's death that disturbs him greatly. However, the other part of the gift (an old book) sets a new way of thinking for Dorian, and a change is seen in his personality.
 * Analysis:** These chapters confirmed my belief that the best was yet to come. I'm enjoying this novel a lot, and highly look forward to continuing in the story. I love Wilde's style; his writing is so fluent and easy to follow, but the way he phrases ideas is graceful and artistic, and it's really fascinating watching the characters really unfold in the text. Each figure is thoroughly understandable and in some way relatable to the reader, and the journey each character goes on is evident and vividly worded to make for a truly gripping story. Even though I haven't yet finished this literary piece, I can't wait to read more of Wilde's work.
 * Application:** In the emotional change of Dorian Gray, many inherent human characteristics can be found. During the scenes of Sybil's tragic death, Dorian experiences extreme sorrow, grief, anger, confusion and guilt in response to the horrible events he lives through. Henry acts as the power of overcoming a guilty conscience, acting mainly as temptation for all things bad that could lead Dorian to his demise. Basil acts as the good constant that Dorian is turning away from, and the figure primarily working against Henry (Henry and Basil act as opposites in the fight to win over Dorian). The painting also plays a key role in portraying the element of self-reflection, as the emotional change of Dorian is shown to Dorian through the portrait.

__Wiki Post #3__

 * Summary:** In these final, shocking chapters, a large amount of drama occurs. Firstly, Dorian stabs Basil quite abruptly after an argument about Dorian's soul, but it leaves Dorian in a very anxious state for the remainder of the book. He attends a party where Lord Henry is, but can't bring himself to admit to his crimes. He therefore leaves, anxiety-ridden and with a sudden craving for opium. Shady happenings occur at several opium dens, where conversations of Sybil arise from other drug patrons. Dorian flees in a panic, returns to his house with his aristocratic friends, where he collapses suddenly after seeing the drug patron through the window. Then, in a confusing last instance, Dorian feels so corrupted that he stabs his portrait with the knife he used to kill Basil, but when his servants come to assess the situation, they find a restored version of the painting covering an old man with a knife in his heart(who happens to be Dorian).
 * Analysis:** I really enjoyed seeing the final madness of Dorian unfold when he finally snapped from his guilt. I thought it was poignant that the painting was what causes him the biggest devastation, and the fact that it ended up fully restored in its youthfulness after Dorian killed himself was a very poetic end. The journey of madness that Dorian went on was bizarre and twisted, and the characters of Basil and Lord Henry added driving forces to Dorian's ultimate corruption and self-destruction. It's a dark tale of the struggles in dealing with debauchery and the underworld, and the light-hearted writing mixed with the dark, gloomy tale made for a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
 * Application:** Within the concluding chapters, I think the biggest theme to be evaluated is the concept of the ultimate breaking point. This theme, in conjunction with themes of guilt and pleasure, are accentuated in Dorian's encounters with the world. Basil and Lord Henry act as the voices of reason; Basil acts as the ultimate sense of morality and righteousness, while Lord Henry is the impulsive, controlling vibe that sends Dorian into his conflicting ways. These aspects of the breaking point reside inside the consciences of humanity, as we all sense guilt for our immoral behaviors. Eventually, that guilt overflows(although not always to the extent as happened with Dorian). For this reason, //The Picture of Dorian Gray// acts as a farcical tale with realistic themes of guilt and self-actualization.