The Prince can arguably be the most influential piece of renaissance literature. Written by Machiavelli in 1513, it was not published until 1532, 5 years after Machiavelli's death. The Prince acts as a guide to gaining power while offering insight to methods of governing. Amongst these are the most efficient tactics of acquiring, and protecting a state still practiced today. 

            While the book was originally intended to gain recognition with the Medici family, it has become an exposition of political theorems. The Prince focuses on ruling by force rather than by law. Because of this new tactic, it justifies the actions taken to gain power. Through the course of the book, Machiavelli focuses the attention on a “new prince”, one that does not follow hereditary rule. The new prince’s apparent tasks seem more difficult and consist of stabilizing his newfound power, and building a lasting empire. Machiavelli implies that to achieve these goals the prince may be called to do immoral things.

             A common element in Renaissance literature is the presence of characters that have little respect for each other. Machiavellian is a common term to describe someone who manipulated others for their own personal gain. Machiavelli’s character takes brute force to carry out his reign, following the idea to rule by force not by law. Though The Prince contains a common Renaissance theme throughout, it differs from other literature in the era, causing it to stand out and remain recognizable. Common Renaissance behavior was to turn to religion or ancient authors for explanations against hardships such as plagues, famines, etc. Machiavelli supports the idea that people have their own ability to protect themselves against such calamities. He edorses the idea of free will versus the popular idea of divine destiny.

            Machiavelli’s book has influenced politicians and leaders throughout the Western world in today’s era as well as his fellow writers of the Renaissance.

            Writers such as Shakespeare and Francis Bacon have utilized Machiavelli’s concepts to create some of their most memorable characters while leaders such as Napolean of France have made notes in accordance to The Prince. However, the main contribution of The Prince is marked by its influential split between idealism and realism. Though Machiavelli did not fully associate himself with beliefs of “wholesale selfishness”, his name is name is typically associated with such views.