The Closet Drama in "The Changeling", V.iii

Abstract

In act 5, scene 3 of Middleton and Rowley's "The Changeling", Alsemero, once fully convinced that Beatrice has been involved in murder and adultery, decides to lock her up in his 'closet', his small private room, which on the stage was no doubt situated within what is now often called the 'discovery space' - formerly known as the 'inner stage'. Alsemero instructs De Flores to join her shortly afterward. This essay will address the vexed question, "What happens in that closet, until Beatrice and De Flores appear on stage again?"