The New Machiavelli

"The New Machiavelli" by H. G. Wells is a story set in the early 1900s that looks at politics, ambition, and how society changes through the eyes of its main character, who thinks about his life and goals, comparing himself to Machiavelli's ideas about politics. The story shows a mix of personal and political exploration as the protagonist wrestles with his life experiences and wants in a world that's quickly changing. The novel starts with the hero reflecting on settling into his new life at forty-two. He feels deeply unsettled as he deals with unfinished projects and how he measures up to Machiavelli, whose political writings affect him greatly. The protagonist thinks about his failed political hopes, his grasp of humanity, including women's complicated roles, and the growing mess of government as power gets split up. This prepares the reader for a story that explores the main character's personal journey and the larger social shifts of his era.