This episode of In Search of History seeks to unravel the mystery of the identity of the man in the iron mask. An unknown prisoner incarcerated for over thirty years in French prisons by Louis XIV, the identity of the man in the iron mask has never been revealed. His mask was actually made of velvet, not iron. But the legend of the iron mask remained embedded in legend and folklore after the publication of Alexander Dumas' popular and enduring novel, The Man in the Iron Mask. For over three centuries, historians have labored to discover the true identity of the man behind the mask, only to have their theories and assumptions proven wrong. But historians today are closer than ever to identifying the man behind the mask, and solving a three-century-old mystery. The Man in the Iron Mask would be useful for classes on European History, Literature, Folklore and Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

The Man in the Iron Mask Vocabulary

• notorious
• incarcerated
• execute
• clandestine
• volatile
• perennial
• despot
• debauched
• minutiae
• dogged
• provocative
• venerable
• arbitrary
• ironic
• ostentation
• wrath

Discussion Questions

1. Historians are still unsure of the identity of the man in the iron mask, but there have been many theories over the past three centuries. What were some of the most popular theories?
2. According to the story, The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexander Dumas, the man in the iron mask was the twin brother of Louis XIV. Why and how have historians discounted this theory?
3. Dumas' story of a bad king and a good king is more than mere entertainment. It is an indictment of France's political system of the era. How is The Man in the Iron Mask a political statement? What other works of art or literature have also served as political statements?
4. Louis XIV has been described as a despot. What is a despot? How can a monarchy contribute to the creation of despot?
5. The man in the iron mask remained in prison for over three decades. What were the conditions of his imprisonment? What was his life like?
6. Class distinctions in seventeenth century France were rigid and vast. These class distinctions even applied to prisoners. How were class distinctions adhered to in French prisons?
7. Given the magnitude of France's history in the seventeenth century, the identity of the man in the iron mask seems almost inconsequential. Yet it has mystified and captivated historians for three centuries. What is it about this incident that has kept historians searching for an answer for over three hundred years?
8. Why was the original theory about the nobleman Eustache Daugente discredited?
9. What is the current theory in favor with historians today?
10. The man in the iron mask actually wore a velvet mask, not an iron one. How did this legend begin and why does it still endure?

Extended Activities

1. Write a short story about your own theory of the identity of the man in the iron mask and what his crime might have been; or write a story about a modern-day man in an iron mask.
2. Compare The History Channel version of this story to the Hollywood version currently in theaters. Explain the differences and similarities between the two.
3. Imagine you are the man in the iron mask. Keep a journal describing some of your hopes, dreams, and fears. How would it differ from the life of King Louis XIV?
4. Research the lineage of King Louis XIV. Create a family tree including as many people as possible. Be sure to describe each one. If you wish paint, draw, or use a computer to create your "tree".