GRE Reading Comprehension
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Source: Kaplan
Although The Prince is frequently criticized for what is commonly thought to be the author's advocacy of the admittedly harsh, unscrupulous methods of grabbing power and in ruling, in reality, Machiavelli portrays successful actions that must be taken and that have made for numerous great accomplishments. True, some critics condemn him for being na?ve or for promoting fraud, force, and immorality in politics. Yet these historians fail to praise his ability to separate moral from political issues and ignore that his writing supports a republican form of government by exposing the faults of princedoms. In The Prince, Machiavelli provides illustrations from the lives of legendary leaders such as Caesar, Borgia, and Pope Julius II. Historians have pointed out that it is probable Machiavelli exaggerated or distorted some details regarding various rulers. It is clear, nonetheless, that this 16th-century political scientist is not merely spouting his own philosophies, but had read and observed the most efficient governing tools of the great leaders.
The passage is structured to lead to which of the following conclusions?
- A Machiavelli naively confused his own philosophy with the conclusions he formed on his observations of power.
- B Historians distorted the actions of leaders such as Caesar, Borgia and Pope Julius II based on Machiavelli's observations.
- C Machiavelli could not separate the actions of Caesar, Borgia and Pope Julius II from his own beliefs.
- D Machiavelli was not presenting his story from a malicious viewpoint but from his interpretations of the true nature of effective leadership.
- E Historians have pointed out that Machiavelli exaggerated or distorted some details regarding various rulers.