There's something really fascinating to me about how Denethor, who is portrayed (and almost certainly sees himself) as a cold, pragmatic ruler shows far more emotion and (especially!) grief than kindly old Théoden does. We never really hear about how Elfhild's death affected him, or see him grieve Théodred. The only time we hear of him mourning is his sister Théodwyn's death, which greatly grieved him.
We know however that Finduilas' death greatly grieved Denethor, as did Boromir's, and Faramir's near death causes him to have a full on breakdown.
Denethor might strive to be emotionless in his decision making, and to be as pragmatic as possible, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel. He does, and I think far more than Théoden.
Yes! Denethor sees himself as Machiavelli but he's a mortal version of a Fëanorion at heart, his spirit is fiery his blood boils his passions run high, the man just can't help himself.
