Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: 

In historical memory Niccolo Machiavelli is associated with evil, deception, and cruelty, characteristics stemming from his depiction of Renaissance Italian politics in his political analysis, The Prince.  Even today the a word “Machiavellian” is in the English language referring to one who rules with harsh tactics and evil intent.  Ross King is his biography of Machiavelli tries to paint a more complete picture of Machiavelli.  For your paper, I would like you analyze if or to what extent Machiavelli typifies his historical reputation or to argue what essence better encompasses the figure.  In your paper, you should consider how Machiavelli is a person of Renaissance Italy, how Italian humanism shaped his beliefs, urban politics and secularism. 

you should have a thesis statement 

This paper should be 500 words and draw information ONLY from the Ross King biography and the Cole/Symes text.  Remember that the #1 reason I assign this paper is to make sure that you have read the book.  Please reference it!  It is due April 23 at the beginning of class.