We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Literature Glossary

Don’t be an oxymoron. Know your literary terms.

Over 200 literary terms, Shmooped to perfection.

Closet Drama

Definition:

Closet drama is a play that is meant to be read, not performed. This is for you PhD candidates out there who would rather be researching your dissertation in a dark library basement than going out on a Friday night. (That's how it works, right?)

The Romantics wrote lots of closet dramas—think Lord Byron's Manfred.

Tags: General, Genre