Closet Drama in English Literature II Closet Drama, Definition, Features & Examples

 

Definition, Origin & History, Examples

INTRODUCTION:

Drama as a form of literature is primarily meant to be performed on the stage. But Closet drama is a unique type of drama which is not intended to be performed.

DEFINITION:

“A closet drama is a type of drama designed to be read rather than acted.”

Thus, it is meant to be read only just like novels. Closet drama is not performed live on the stage.

ORIGIN & HISTORY:

v The roots of closet drama can be traced back to Plato. His philosophical work entitled ‘Apology’ is a dialogue presenting Socrates, who was defending himself against charges of immorality. Due to its structure and style, The Apology is often regarded as a dramatic tragedy rather than a strictly philosophical document.

 

v In 1642, public performances of plays were banned, but soon after the ban was lifted in 1660, John Milton published a closet drama called ‘Samson Agonistes’ in 1671. By writing this drama John Milton wanted to send a message to the authorities that whether they permit the public performances or not, drama would continue to influence the minds and hearts of the people.

 

v Later this Closet drama was made popular by the Romantics during the Romantic era that is in the19th century. P. B. Shelley, Wordsworth, Robert Browning, Goethe and many more wrote several Closet drama.

 

REASONS BEHIND THE POPULARITY OF CLOSET DRAMA:

The reasons why this Closet drama became popular during the 17^th century (John Milton) and 19^th century (Romantics) are mostly social and political.

 

1. Milton wrote ‘Samson Agonistes’ in 1671 to show to the parliament that no political agency can restrict the dramatists to express their views in the form of drama.

2. Romantic playwrights were by nature revolutionaries who were bold enough to express their views on social and political issues and they used theplays as a tool, a medium, to put forward their radical thoughts. As a resultcontemporary theatre houses were reluctant to produce them. Hence, Writers like S.T. Coleridge and Robert Southey working together wrote a play on the FrenchRevolution called ‘The Fall of Robespierre’ in 1794.

3. Another factor responsible was the monopoly of the two most popular theatres inEngland, Drury Lane and Covent Garden. The 'Licensing Act' was passed from 1737 to 1843. According to this Act the only plays produced betweenSeptember to June had to be performed at one of the two theatres.

 

EXAMPLES OF MAJOR CLOSET DRAMA:

1.  ‘Samson Agonistes’ (1671) by John Milton

2.  ‘The Fall of Robespierre’ (1794) by Coleridge and Southey

3.  ‘Manfred’ (1817) Lord Byron

4.  ‘Prometheus Unbound’ (1820) by P. B. Shelley

5.  ‘Strafford’ (1837) by Robert Browning

6.  ‘Faust’ (Part I 1808 Part II 1832) by Goethe

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