Abstract

"Re-writing," graphologically represented in this manner, is understood to be a dynamic process comprehending both creative newness and intelligence of historical profundity, neither doubling for "writing" nor "rewriting," but rather embracing the two. ;This study inquires into the relationship between "re-writing," the "hermeneutic attitude" and Machiavelli's poiesis. Specifically it addresses these four questions: First, to what degree can we speak of intersection between these three spheres? Second, what common ground do all three actually share? Third, in what particular manner do the act of "re-writing" and the "hermeneutic attitude" manifest themselves in the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli? Last, what bearing does this have on the reader, heir to Machiavelli's literary legacy? ;By means of a close textual reading, I examine a cycle of re-writings wherein Machiavelli re-writes the works of other , of himself , and is then himself re-written in "the modern Prince" by Antonio Gramsci. ;The philosopher Wilhelm Dilthey's ideas on experience, history and hermeneutics provide this study with the fundamental theoretical grounding along with a key to reading Machiavelli in an entirely new light. This Diltheyan reading of Machiavelli brings us to conclude that Machiavelli's part in the dynamic process of re-writing does indeed express his "hermeneutic attitude," one which supports and encourages the universal validity of interpretation and includes the Florentine Secretary in the "hermeneutic circle" ante-litteram