Henry IV (Pirandello) Lesson Plan

What is Henry's relationship to Peter Damian? Why do you think he responds to Belcredi dressed as a Cluniac monk in the way that he does?

Although Belcredi has disguised himself as an anonymous Cluniac monk accompanying the Abbot (the Doctor's costume), Henry quickly identifies him as Peter Damian. Peter Damian is the specific Cluniac monk who handed down the legal opinion (vis a vis church law) that Henry IV was not allowed to divorce Bertha, despite his wishes. Henry is at first contrite toward Peter Damian (Belcredi), as he is currently trying to show he is penitent and is asking the visitors to intercede with the Pope to ask for mercy towards Henry. Later in the...