In 'The Book Of The Courtier' Baldssare Castiglione presents the picture of an ideal court,outlining the virtues of an ideal prince. In accordance to the Renaissance spirit of humanism, Castiglione emphasizes upon the growth of individual thought, establishing the moral character of the prince aided by the courtier's advice and influence.
The role of the courtier is of immense importance in channelizing the unrestrained power of the young prince. Signor Ottaviano thus pronounces that the courtier should always be able to pronounce the truth,without the fear or anxiety of displeasing the prince. He must possess the skill to make him aware of the virtues of justice,liberality,magnanimity and gentleness that befits a ruler. It is the courtier who should deter his prince from the path of evil. This can be realized when he is venturesome enough to oppose the prince, obliterating every evil intention, to bring him back on the track of virtue.
Referring to Count Lodovico and Frederico as “the perfect courtier”, Ottaviano establishes how “falsehood” can be detrimental to the development of the prince's personality. It leads to nothing but ignorance and conceit. The courtier often manifests the tendency of flattering the prince,daring not to criticize him blatantly for the fear of being punished. They would rather have him live wickedly than correcting the follies. However the prince needs someone to offer him with the truth,pointing out the correct way. Thus, an ideal courtier is one who honestly comes up with the truth,lest fearing the prince's reproach. He must be genuinely concerned about the welfare of the prince and not merely driven by a fancy to win grace and favor.
The prince often drunk with power may fall back upon amusements and pleasure-seeking as an intrinsic part of his life-style. Blinded with false confidence,he may start believing that governance is an easy task requiring no art or training. It may take him to a point where clinging on to his personal wants and desires , he hates reason and justice. He thus gets carried away by self-conceit, becoming stern and arrogant. This ignorance of how to govern people gives way to utter discord leading to death,destruction,burning and even ruination. Some of the princes are recorded to be so exalted in rank that all eyes constantly observe their every move. Hence,not only their great but even their slightest defects are always marked. Thus it is recorded that Cimon was censured for being attracted to wind,Scipio for loving sleep and Lucullus for loving banquets. At this critical juncture what a prince requires is a strict philosopher, candidly revealing to him the face of true virtue. It is the courtier who must explain to the prince how to comport and be an ideal government.
A true courtier must be able to win over the confidence of his prince so much so that he may visit him anytime for discussing the state of affairs without any hindrance. He must gradually instill virtue in his prince's persona bestowing upon him the qualities of continence,fortitude,justice and temperance. He must impart in the prince the strength to endure the slight bitterness of struggle that lies beneath the sweet fruit of successful governance. In this way the courtier leads the prince along the rough path of virtue. Signor Gaspare opines that attributes concerning music and dance are of a lesser importance to the courtier. He must be endowed with qualities enough concerning the education of the prince. Signor Ottaviano however suggested that a prince must lead both kinds of life. On one hand he must be carrying clear insight and judgement. On the other he must possess the acumen to issue lawful commands in it's correct manner concerning things that are reasonable and within authority. Duke Fredrico thus wraps it all up by commenting that one who can command with authority is always obeyed.
An ideal ruler sets up enduring laws and ordinances for his countrymen to live a dignified life and enjoy in a worthy manner which in turn is channelized by the courtier. Here Ottaviano discusses at length the 'practical virtues' that must be inherent in the prince. Along with 'steadfastness','long suffering patience' and an indomitable spirit he emphasizes upon 'fortitude' which is specially useful during times of war. He interestingly points out that the virtues conducive to “moral excellence” are more essential in times of peace rather than during war. This is because harmonious state of affairs often tempts the prince to be misdirected by pleasures. It is essentially the role of the courtier to maneuver the prince as Ottaviano proclaims “I knew how to teach my prince and instruct him in all the virtuous ways we have outlined already...”
Signor Gaspare at this juncture, questions as to how the courtier should ideally impart “good education” to his prince . He meant to clarify whether the instructions must be conveyed casually or should they be substantiated with arguments during a verbal conflict. Ottaviano a bit vexed by this sudden digression opines to rely upon the natural instincts over reason. He pronounces that just as intellectual virtue is perfected by teaching so also “moral virtue is perfected by practice”.
Magnificio Guillano puts forward the idea that the courtier leading the prince to excellence must himself be supercilious. He portrays how the age difference between the prince and the courtier may open up different situations. The prince if elder to the courtier can be expected to be more knowledgeable. Thus the courier cannot really bestow instructions upon him. On the other hand if the courtier is old he cannot keep up with the gusto of the prince in games and merrymaking. Ottaviano counters him by establishing the importance of one's natural inclination in playing a certain a role. Thus he refutes that all the courtier's guidance would be futile if the prince doesn’t manifest a natural knack for governance. Thus the courtier cultivates and nurtures the already fertile mind of the prince. This ideal of self-fashioning may be thought to have been inspired by Pico Della Mirandola’s 'Oration on the Dignity of Man'
The book can be seen as a recreation of Castiglione's own experience at the court of Duke Guidobaldo da Montefeltro of Urbino. Organized as a series of fictional conversations that occur between the courtiers, the book discusses at length the role of the courtier in motivating the price to achieve a perfect governance.
SAYANTI MUKHERJEE
PG-I
Roll No- 06
No comments:
Post a Comment