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The Theory of Moral Sentiments · Character

Machiavel

Italian political philosopher referenced on self-interest and virtue.

minor

First appearance: iv of licentious systems

Machiavel's tie to Zeno is one of the pressures that moves The Theory of Moral Sentiments—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Referenced implicitly in the discussion of heroes and conquerors whose ambition dazzles the imagination even when unjust.
In the storyVI: In What Cases the Sense of Duty Ought to Be the Sole Principle of Our Conduct; and in What Cases It Ought to Concur with Other MotivesOpen this moment free

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With Zeno (rivalry): Machiavelli's pragmatic politics oppose Zeno's idealistic Stoic virtue. In VI: In What Cases the Sense of Duty Ought to Be the Sole Principle of Our Conduct; and in What Cases It Ought to Concur…

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Character Web

1 connection

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ZEZenoMAMachiavel

Relationship types

  • Rivalry

Character groups

  • Classical and Modern Moral Exemplars
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

SetupAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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In the story

Machiavel appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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