"The Prince" exemplifies how Machiavelli's notion of morality acts as an illusion, and functions like a dramatic script, or a guide to a performance. Instead of being a rather dull political text, "The Prince" is a literary gem, full of drama, eccentricity, and controversial ideals. Morality has been defined and used in many different ways. For most, morality is an accepted moral standard which preaches a moral lesson and displays honorable deeds. However, in "The Prince," Machiavelli defines morality as the virtuous behavior that the people believe is respectable. He then advises the rulers to use this sense of morality as a tool to manipulate and twist people into their will. Machiavelli stresses that by appearing as though the prince rules through this image of morality, even though he may not follow or believe in it, the facade allows him to stay in control of the state, the people, and gain more power. He notes that the nature of humans is untrustworthy and greedy, and so the prince must treat his subjects accordingly. .
As a director firsts scouts out what type of audience he will be performing for before writing a play, Machiavelli determines the characteristics of man, figures out their beliefs, qualities, and personalities. In "The Prince," Machiavelli concludes that most, if not all, men are selfish and overly desirous. He stated that, "that they are ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers, fearful of danger and greedy for gain" (Machiavelli, 39). He continues to say that the loyalty and trust of such men can be won over simply with material objects, proving that they cannot be depended on. Machiavelli claims that during easy relaxed times, people will often be more generous and reliable. On the other hand, when times get harsher and more difficult, those same people will only think of themselves and desert you, or even possibly betray you.
The next part in a script is thinking of the dialogue or the voice, which could be related to the way Machiavelli urged the prince to pretend to follow the moral code that his people laid out, even if he didn't agree.
