What is the original Italian title of Luigi Pirandello's play, and when and where did it premiere?

Luigi Pirandello's play is originally titled *Enrico IV* in Italian. It premiered to general acclaim at the Teatro Manzoni in Milan on February 24, 1922.

What is the central theme or subject of Pirandello's *Henry IV*?

The play *Henry IV* is a study on madness, incorporating both comic and tragic elements, and centers around a man who believes himself to be Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor. This historical figure was a German monarch who reigned in the 11th century.

Who is a notable English translator of *Henry IV*, and which actor starred in a significant British production that went to Broadway?

Tom Stoppard is a notable English translator of *Henry IV*. Rex Harrison starred in a British production, which was translated by Stephen Rich, and later went to Broadway in 1973.

How does the protagonist of *Henry IV* come to believe he is Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor?

The unnamed Italian aristocrat protagonist falls off his horse while playing the role of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor during carnevale festivities. After regaining consciousness, he genuinely believes he is Henry IV. Carnevale is a festive season that occurs annually before Lent, a period of fasting and reflection in Christianity.

For how long is the charade maintained for the protagonist, and where is it set?

The elaborate charade is maintained for twenty years by his family, including his sister and nephew, Marchese Carlo Di Nolli. It is set in a remote Umbrian villa, which is decorated to resemble Henry IV's imperial palace at Goslar, a town in Germany known for its historical significance.

Who are the key individuals hired to maintain the illusion of the eleventh-century court for Henry?

Servants are hired to play the roles of Henry's privy councillors and simulate the eleventh-century court, creating an immersive historical environment for the protagonist.

What is the purpose of Doctor Dionisio Genoni's visit to the villa?

Doctor Dionisio Genoni is brought to the villa at the request of De Nolli's dying mother, as he is referred to as the latest in a succession of medical professionals attempting to cure Henry of his delusion.

Who accompanies Marchese Carlo Di Nolli and Doctor Genoni to the villa?

Accompanying Marchese Carlo Di Nolli and Doctor Genoni are Lady Matilda Spina, her daughter Frida (who is De Nolli's fiancée), and Baron Tito Belcredi, who is Matilda's lover.

What significant detail about Lady Matilda Spina is present in the throne room of the villa?

A portrait of the young Matilda Spina, dressed in costume as Matilda of Tuscany from the original pageant, hangs on the wall of the throne room, serving as a visual reminder of the past event.

Who are the four individuals referred to as Privy Counselors in the play, and what are their real names?

The four so-called Privy Counselors, who are servants playing roles, are Landolph (whose real name is Lolo), Harold (Franco), Ordulph (Momo), and Berthold (Fino).

What is the initial challenge faced by Berthold upon his induction into the band of privy councillors?

Berthold faces the challenge of having prepared for the wrong historical figure, as he studied the history of Henry IV of France instead of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, indicating a lack of proper preparation for his role in the charade.

How does Henry react to the disguised Baron Belcredi during Act One?

Henry mistakes the disguised Baron Belcredi for the monk Peter Damian and reacts angrily, but is later calmed. Peter Damian was an influential Italian monk and cardinal in the 11th century.

What revelation does Henry make to his councillors in Act Two regarding his madness?

In Act Two, Henry declares to his councillors that he is not truly mad, but has been aware of the nature of his existence for some time. He reveals that he has preferred to stay in his role as Henry IV rather than live in the 20th century.

What is the approximate time period in which the play *Henry IV* is set?

The play *Henry IV* is set around the year 1900, providing a contemporary backdrop for the protagonist's historical delusion.

What is the Doctor's plan to shock Henry out of his madness at the end of Act Two?

The Doctor's plan involves dressing Frida, Matilda's daughter and De Nolli's fiancée, in the same costume as the portrait of her mother, in an attempt to shock Henry out of his delusion by presenting a vivid image from his past.

What violent event occurs at the climax of Act Two?

In the ensuing altercation at the end of Act Two, Henry grabs Frida and then stabs Belcredi, leading to a dramatic and violent conclusion for that act.

What is Henry's final action as the curtain falls in the play?

As the curtain falls, Henry resumes his regal persona, despite the violent incident that just occurred, suggesting he is trapped in his chosen reality.

Name at least three English translators of Luigi Pirandello's *Henry IV*.

Three English translators of *Henry IV* include Edward Storer, Frederick May, and Tom Stoppard. Other translators mentioned are Julian Mitchell, Robert Rietty and John Wardle, Mark Musa, Anthony Mortimer, and Justin Fleming.

Has Luigi Pirandello's play *Henry IV* been adapted into other media?

Yes, the play *Henry IV* has been adapted into a film of the same name, extending its reach beyond the stage.

What is the significance of the image titled 'Enrico IV' in the source material?

The source material includes an image titled *Enrico IV*, which is the original Italian title of Luigi Pirandello's play, visually representing the work and its subject matter.

What information does the hatnote provide regarding the article's scope?

The hatnote clarifies that the article specifically concerns the play by Pirandello and directs readers to a disambiguation page for other uses of 'Henry IV,' helping to avoid confusion.

What is the primary concern raised by the 'More citations needed' box at the beginning of the article?

The 'More citations needed' box indicates that the article requires additional citations for verification, suggesting that some information may not be adequately supported by reliable sources and needs further substantiation.

Which of Luigi Pirandello's plays, besides *Henry IV*, are listed in the provided information?

Other plays by Luigi Pirandello listed include *Liolà* (1916), *Right You Are (if you think so)* (1917), *The Rules of the Game* (1918), *Six Characters in Search of an Author* (1921), *The Man with the Flower in His Mouth* (1922), *Each In His Own Way* (1924), and *Tonight We Improvise* (1930).

What novels by Luigi Pirandello are mentioned in the source material?

The novels by Luigi Pirandello mentioned are *The Outcast* (1901), *The Turn* (1902), *The Late Mattia Pascal* (1904), and *One, No One and One Hundred Thousand* (1926).

Is there any short story by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the provided text?

Yes, the short story *War* (1918) by Luigi Pirandello is mentioned, showcasing his diverse literary output.

What work about Luigi Pirandello is referenced in the source?

The 2022 film *Strangeness* is listed as a work about Luigi Pirandello, indicating that his life or works have been the subject of other creative endeavors.

What external links are provided for *Henry IV*?

External links provided for *Henry IV* include a Westinghouse Studio One live television performance from December 1949 and a public domain audiobook of *Henry IV* available at LibriVox, offering different ways to experience the play.

Who is Marchese Carlo Di Nolli in relation to the protagonist?

Marchese Carlo Di Nolli is the protagonist's nephew, and he is actively involved in maintaining the elaborate charade for his uncle, demonstrating a family connection to the central deception.

What is the relationship between Frida and Marchese Carlo Di Nolli?

Frida is Marchese Carlo Di Nolli's fiancée, linking two of the key younger characters in the play through a romantic relationship.

What is the relationship between Lady Matilda Spina and Baron Tito Belcredi?

Baron Tito Belcredi is Lady Matilda Spina's lover, revealing a complex romantic entanglement among the characters who visit Henry.

What specific historical location is the Umbrian villa decorated to resemble?

The Umbrian villa is decorated to resemble Henry IV's imperial palace at Goslar, a town in Germany known for its historical significance, creating an authentic-looking setting for the charade.

What role does Giovanni play among the characters in the villa?

Giovanni is identified as an old servant within the household, contributing to the staff that maintains the elaborate charade for Henry.

What is the significance of the 'carnevale festivities' in the play's plot?

The carnevale festivities are significant because it is during these celebrations that the unnamed Italian aristocrat falls off his horse while in costume, an accident that directly leads to his twenty-year delusion of being Henry IV.

How long has the protagonist been living under the delusion of being Henry IV when the play's action begins?

The protagonist has been living under the delusion of being Henry IV for twenty years when the main action of the play occurs, establishing the long-standing nature of his condition.

What is the general nature of the interactions between the visitors and Henry in the first two acts?

In the first two acts, the visitors play parts from the historical period of Henry IV while interacting with the protagonist, participating in the charade to maintain his delusion.

What is the dynamic between Lady Matilda Spina and Baron Tito Belcredi during Act Two?

During Act Two, Lady Matilda Spina and Baron Tito Belcredi are noted to argue constantly, highlighting their contentious relationship amidst the unfolding drama.

What is Henry's stated reason for preferring to remain in his delusional state rather than return to the 20th century?

Henry states that he prefers to stay as he was, in his role as Henry IV, rather than live in the 20th century, implying a profound dissatisfaction with contemporary life and a preference for his constructed reality.

What happens to the visitors after Belcredi is stabbed?

After Henry stabs Belcredi, the visitors flee the scene, indicating the sudden and shocking escalation of violence and the breakdown of the charade.

Which translator's version of *Henry IV* was published by Faber & Faber in 2004?

Tom Stoppard's translation of *Henry IV* was published by Faber & Faber in 2004, making it a relatively recent and notable English version.

What is the publication year of Edward Storer's translation of *Henry IV*?

Edward Storer's translation of *Henry IV* was published in 1922 by E. P. Dutton & Co., making it one of the earliest English translations of the play.

Which academic translated *Henry IV* for Penguin in 1960?

Frederick May, an academic, translated *Henry IV* for Penguin in 1960, contributing to the play's accessibility for English-speaking audiences.

What is the earliest novel by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the text?

The earliest novel by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the provided text is *The Outcast*, which was published in 1901.

What is the latest novel by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the text?

The latest novel by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the provided text is *One, No One and One Hundred Thousand*, which was published in 1926.

What is the earliest play by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the text?

The earliest play by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the provided text is *Liolà*, which was published in 1916.

What is the latest play by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the text?

The latest play by Luigi Pirandello mentioned in the provided text is *Tonight We Improvise*, which was published in 1930.

What is the significance of the character Frida's appearance in relation to her mother, Matilda Spina?

Frida is described as the 'spitting image' of her mother, Matilda Spina, as Matilda appeared when she was younger and in costume from the original pageant. This resemblance is crucial to the Doctor's plan to shock Henry.

How many acts does Pirandello's *Henry IV* have, based on the plot overview provided?

Based on the plot overview provided, the play *Henry IV* describes events occurring in 'the first two acts' and states 'Act two begins,' indicating that the play has at least two acts.

What is the role of the two valets in costume mentioned among the characters?

The two valets in costume are part of the staff maintaining the elaborate charade for Henry, serving in roles appropriate to an eleventh-century court and contributing to the immersive illusion.

What is the general tone of the play *Henry IV* as described in the introduction?

The play *Henry IV* is described as a study on madness with both comic and tragic elements, suggesting a complex and nuanced tone that explores serious psychological themes alongside lighter moments.

Henry Iv Pirandello Play Wiki: The Labyrinth of Identity: Pirandello's Henry IV

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The Play

A Masterpiece of Italian Theatre

Luigi Pirandello's Henry IV (Italian: Enrico IV) is an acclaimed Italian play penned in 1921. It premiered to significant critical reception at the Teatro Manzoni in Milan on February 24, 1922.^[1] The work stands as a profound study on the nature of madness, skillfully weaving together both comic and tragic elements.

The Central Delusion

At its core, the play revolves around an unnamed Italian aristocrat who, following a traumatic accident, genuinely believes himself to be Henry IV, the Holy Roman Emperor. This central delusion drives the narrative, exploring the boundaries between sanity and insanity, and the roles individuals play in maintaining or challenging such perceptions.

Enduring Global Resonance

The intellectual depth and dramatic power of Henry IV have ensured its lasting impact on global theatre. It has been adapted and translated into English by notable figures such as Tom Stoppard, bringing Pirandello's complex themes to wider audiences. A significant British production, translated by Stephen Rich and starring Rex Harrison, even made its way to Broadway in 1973, further cementing the play's international recognition.^[2]

Plot Overview

The Genesis of Delusion

The narrative begins with an unnamed Italian aristocrat participating in annual carnevale festivities, where he is playing the role of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor. A fall from his horse during these events leads to a profound psychological break: he awakens believing he is, in fact, the 11th-century emperor.

The Twenty-Year Charade

For two decades following the accident, the aristocrat's family, including his sister and her son, Marchese Carlo Di Nolli, meticulously maintain an elaborate illusion. They transform a remote Umbrian villa into a replica of Henry IV's imperial palace at Goslar. Servants are hired to impersonate Henry's privy councillors, meticulously simulating an 11th-century court to sustain the protagonist's delusion.

The Intervention and Visitors

The play's action unfolds on a single day, marked by the visit of Dr. Dionisio Genoni, the latest in a series of physicians brought in to attempt a cure. Accompanying Marchese Di Nolli and the doctor are several key figures from Henry's past and present:

Lady Matilda Spina, Henry's unrequited love from before the accident, whose younger self, dressed as Matilda of Tuscany, is depicted in a portrait in the throne room.
Frida, Matilda's daughter and Di Nolli's fiancée, who bears a striking resemblance to her mother in her youth.
Baron Tito Belcredi, Matilda's current lover.
Two valets and Giovanni, an old servant.
Four "Privy Counselors": Landolph (Lolo), Harold (Franco), Ordulph (Momo), and Berthold (Fino), who are the hired actors in Henry's court.

Unveiling the Truth and Tragic Climax

In Act One, the visitors, playing their historical roles, interact with Henry. Berthold, new to his role, mistakenly studies Henry IV of France. Henry, in his delusion, mistakes the disguised Belcredi for the monk Peter Damian, reacting with anger before being calmed. Act Two reveals a pivotal twist: Henry confesses to his privy councillors that he is not truly mad, but has been consciously aware of his charade for some time. He prefers the stability of his historical role to the complexities of 20th-century life (the play is set around 1900).^[3] This revelation leads to a confrontation where Henry, enraged, particularly at Belcredi, grabs Frida, who is dressed as the young Matilda as part of the doctor's plan to shock Henry back to reality. In the ensuing struggle, Henry stabs Belcredi. As the visitors flee in terror, Henry, now irrevocably committed to his chosen reality, resumes his regal persona, sealing his fate within the illusion.

Key Characters

The Protagonist (Henry IV)

The unnamed Italian aristocrat who, after a fall during a carnevale pageant, assumes the identity of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor. For twenty years, he lives within this elaborate delusion, eventually revealing a complex awareness of his own condition, choosing the stability of his historical persona over the perceived chaos of modern reality.

Lady Matilda Spina

A widow who was the object of Henry's unrequited affection before his accident. She participates in the charade, her past connection to Henry adding layers of personal history and unresolved emotion to the unfolding drama. A portrait of her as Matilda of Tuscany hangs in Henry's "palace," a constant reminder of the past.

Frida & Marchese Carlo Di Nolli

Frida is Lady Matilda's daughter and Marchese Carlo Di Nolli's fiancée. Her striking resemblance to her mother in her youth becomes a crucial element in Dr. Genoni's plan to shock Henry back to sanity. Marchese Di Nolli is Henry's nephew, responsible for maintaining the elaborate charade for two decades, driven by his dying mother's wishes.

Baron Tito Belcredi

Lady Matilda's current lover, he is a figure of contention and rivalry with Henry. His presence and interactions with Henry, particularly when mistaken for Peter Damian, highlight the tension between the real and the imagined, culminating in a tragic confrontation.

The Court & Servants

This group includes the four "Privy Counselors" (Landolph, Harold, Ordulph, Berthold), two valets, and the old servant Giovanni. They are hired to play roles within Henry's 11th-century court, meticulously maintaining the illusion. Their performances, and Berthold's initial misinterpretation of his role, underscore the theme of performance and the constructed nature of reality.

Profound Themes

Madness and Sanity

Pirandello's Henry IV is fundamentally a "study on madness." The play meticulously dissects the fine line between genuine mental illness and a deliberate choice to inhabit an alternative reality. Henry's eventual revelation that his madness is a conscious performance challenges the audience to question what constitutes sanity and whether a chosen delusion can offer a more tolerable existence than an unbearable reality.

Illusion and Reality

The entire premise of the play is built upon a grand illusion: a 20-year charade designed to accommodate Henry's perceived madness. This creates a complex interplay between what is real and what is fabricated. The characters, both those genuinely deluded and those knowingly participating in the deception, constantly navigate these blurred boundaries, forcing an examination of how personal and collective realities are constructed and maintained.

Identity and Performance

The protagonist's adoption of the Henry IV persona, and his subsequent decision to maintain it, speaks volumes about the fluidity of identity. The play explores how individuals construct their identities, whether through genuine self-perception or through the roles they are compelled or choose to play. The "privy councillors" and even the visitors are all performing, highlighting that life itself can be a series of roles and performances, where authenticity is a constant negotiation.

English Versions

Notable Translations

The enduring appeal of Henry IV has led to numerous translations into English, each offering a distinct interpretation of Pirandello's intricate dialogue and themes. Key translators include:

Edward Storer (E. P. Dutton & Co., 1922)
Frederick May (Penguin, 1960)
Julian Mitchell (1979)
Robert Rietty and John Wardle (Calder, 1987)
Mark Musa (Penguin, 1996)
Tom Stoppard (Faber & Faber, 2004)^[4]
Anthony Mortimer (Oxford, 2014)
Justin Fleming (Sydney, 2023)

These various renditions underscore the play's rich linguistic and philosophical nuances, inviting continuous re-evaluation and performance.

Adaptations

Cinematic Interpretations

The compelling narrative of Pirandello's Henry IV has naturally lent itself to adaptation beyond the stage. The play was notably adapted into a film of the same name, bringing its complex exploration of identity and illusion to a cinematic audience. Such adaptations demonstrate the universal and timeless nature of Pirandello's themes, allowing new generations to engage with the profound questions posed by the play.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Henry IV (Pirandello play) Wikipedia page

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The Labyrinth of Identity

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Play 📜

🎭 A Masterpiece of Italian Theatre

👑 The Central Delusion

🌍 Enduring Global Resonance

Plot Overview 📖

🐎 The Genesis of Delusion

🏰 The Twenty-Year Charade

👨‍⚕️ The Intervention and Visitors

🤯 Unveiling the Truth and Tragic Climax

Key Characters 👥

👑 The Protagonist (Henry IV)

💔 Lady Matilda Spina

👰 Frida & Marchese Carlo Di Nolli

⚔️ Baron Tito Belcredi

🎭 The Court & Servants

Profound Themes 💡

🧠 Madness and Sanity

🌌 Illusion and Reality

🎭 Identity and Performance

English Versions 🗣️

📚 Notable Translations

Adaptations 🎬

🎥 Cinematic Interpretations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Play

A Masterpiece of Italian Theatre

The Central Delusion

Enduring Global Resonance

Plot Overview

The Genesis of Delusion

The Twenty-Year Charade

The Intervention and Visitors

Unveiling the Truth and Tragic Climax

Key Characters

The Protagonist (Henry IV)

Lady Matilda Spina

Frida & Marchese Carlo Di Nolli

Baron Tito Belcredi

The Court & Servants

Profound Themes

Madness and Sanity

Illusion and Reality

Identity and Performance

English Versions

Notable Translations

Adaptations

Cinematic Interpretations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice