Henry IV (eBook)

Luigi Pirandello (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2023
51 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654772851-1 (EAN)

Infos

In Luigi Pirandello's "Henry IV," the playwright explores the intricacies of identity and the nature of reality through the psychological drama of a man who, after experiencing a traumatic event, immerses himself in the role of the medieval king. Set against the backdrop of irrationality and human perception, the play merges elements of commedia dell'arte with modernist themes, offering a rich tapestry of language that oscillates between humor and pathos. The story's unique structure blurs the lines between performance and reality, challenging both characters and audience to confront the masks they wear in life. Luigi Pirandello, a Nobel Prize-winning Italian playwright, novelist, and short story writer, was deeply influenced by his own struggles with identity and societal conventions. His experiences living in an increasingly fragmented world, especially during World War I, fueled his exploration of existential themes. Completed in 1922, "Henry IV" reflects Pirandello's signature concern with the fluidity of truth and the performances that shape our lives, drawing from classical ideals while innovating within the theatrical form. This compelling play is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of identity, performance, and reality in literature. Pirandello's masterful blend of psychological depth and theatricality will resonate with both scholars and casual readers, inviting them to reflect on the roles they inhabit and the truths they construct.

Autor

Luigi Pirandello (1867-1936) was an illustrious Italian dramatist, novelist, poet, and short story writer, who played a pivotal role in modern theater. His literary achievements garnered him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934, in recognition of his 'bold and ingenious revival of dramatic and scenic art' (Nobel Media AB, 2021). Pirandello's works focus on themes of identity, illusion, and reality, often exploring the multifaceted human psyche. 'Henry IV' (1922), one of his most acclaimed plays, is a deft exploration of historical fantasy and madness, delving into the confused mind of a man who believes himself to be the eponymous Holy Roman Emperor. The play is exemplary of Pirandello's signature style, known for blending the line between theater and life, a concept he famously encapsulated in his theory of the 'theater within the theater.' Pirandello's influence on the modern theater is profound, with his ideas foreshadowing the Theater of the Absurd and existential character studies that would dominate mid-20th century drama. His other notable works include 'Six Characters in Search of an Author' (1921) and the novel 'The Late Mattia Pascal' (1904), which further exhibit his thematic concerns and narrative innovation. Pirandello's literature offers profound psychological introspection, and his legacy continues to inspire contemporary playwrights and readers alike.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 21.11.2023
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Lyrik / Dramatik ► Dramatik / Theater
• Themenwelt: Kunst / Musik / Theater ► Theater / Ballett
• Schlagworte: 20th-century European drama • 20th century theatrical works • Character development • Classic • criticism and interpretation • Drama • European classical drama • existential inquiry • existential themes • Fantasy versus reality • Henry IV analysis • historical adaptation • historical drama books • Human psychology exploration • Identity Crisis • identity deception • Illusion and perception • Insanity vs. reality • Italian drama • Italian drama literature • Italian villa setting • Luigi Pirandello plays • Metatheatre and self-reference • Meta-theatrical elements • Meta-theatrical performance • modernist drama • Nobel Prize in literature • Nobel Prize playwright • Pirandello psychological themes • post-world war I • psychological character study • Theatre of the absurd • Theatrical character studies