**George Whetstone**
**Definition:**
George Whetstone (c. 1544 – 1587) was an English dramatist and poet of the Elizabethan era, known for his contributions to early English literature, particularly his plays and narrative poetry. His works often drew on classical and Italian sources, and he is noted for influencing later writers, including William Shakespeare.
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# George Whetstone
George Whetstone was an English dramatist and poet active during the late 16th century, a period marked by the flourishing of English Renaissance literature. Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Whetstone made significant contributions to Elizabethan drama and poetry, particularly through his adaptations of Italian tales and his moralistic themes. His works reflect the literary trends of his time, including the use of classical allusions and the exploration of human character and virtue.
## Early Life and Background
Details about George Whetstone’s early life are sparse, but it is generally believed that he was born around 1544. His family background and education remain largely undocumented, though his literary output suggests a solid grounding in classical literature and the humanities, typical of educated men of the Elizabethan period. Whetstone’s familiarity with Italian literature indicates that he may have traveled or studied abroad, or at least had access to continental literary works.
## Literary Career
Whetstone’s literary career is primarily known through his plays and poetry, which were published between the 1570s and 1580s. His works often adapted stories from Italian sources, a common practice among Elizabethan writers who sought to bring continental narratives to English audiences. Whetstone’s writing is characterized by its moralistic tone and its engagement with themes of honor, virtue, and human folly.
### Major Works
#### The Rocke of Regard (1576)
One of Whetstone’s earliest and most notable works is *The Rocke of Regard*, a collection of poems and prose pieces published in 1576. This work includes a variety of moral and philosophical reflections, as well as narrative poems that explore themes of love, virtue, and human nature. *The Rocke of Regard* was well received in its time and helped establish Whetstone’s reputation as a writer.
#### Promos and Cassandra (1578)
Whetstone’s most famous dramatic work is *Promos and Cassandra*, a play published in 1578. The play is a tragedy based on a story from the Italian writer Giraldi Cinthio’s *Hecatommithi*, which also served as a source for Shakespeare’s *Measure for Measure*. *Promos and Cassandra* explores themes of justice, corruption, and morality, focusing on the abuse of power by a corrupt magistrate and the virtuous resistance of the heroine, Cassandra.
The play is notable for its complex characters and its engagement with contemporary social and political issues. Although it was not widely performed in Whetstone’s lifetime, *Promos and Cassandra* is recognized today for its influence on later Elizabethan drama.
#### The Rare Historie of Promos and Cassandra (1582)
In 1582, Whetstone published *The Rare Historie of Promos and Cassandra*, a prose narrative that retells the story of his earlier play. This work further elaborates on the themes of justice and virtue and was intended to reach a broader audience beyond the theatrical stage. The prose version helped preserve the story and its moral lessons for readers who might not have access to the play.
#### Other Works
Whetstone also wrote other plays and poems, though many have been lost or survive only in fragments. His *Heptameron of Civil Discourses* (1582) is a collection of moral tales and dialogues that reflect his interest in human behavior and ethics. Additionally, Whetstone contributed to the development of English prose style through his translations and adaptations of Italian and classical texts.
## Literary Style and Themes
Whetstone’s literary style is marked by a blend of classical influences and Renaissance humanism. His works often employ rhetorical devices and classical allusions, reflecting his education and the literary tastes of his time. Whetstone’s writing is characterized by clear moral purpose, with an emphasis on virtue, justice, and the consequences of vice.
### Influence of Italian Literature
A significant aspect of Whetstone’s work is his adaptation of Italian sources, particularly the stories of Giraldi Cinthio and other Renaissance writers. This practice was common among Elizabethan authors, who sought to enrich English literature with continental narratives. Whetstone’s translations and adaptations helped introduce Italian Renaissance themes and storytelling techniques to English audiences.
### Moral and Social Concerns
Whetstone’s works frequently address issues of morality, justice, and social order. His characters often face ethical dilemmas, and his narratives explore the tension between personal virtue and public corruption. This focus reflects the broader concerns of Elizabethan society, which grappled with questions of governance, law, and individual responsibility.
## Influence and Legacy
Though George Whetstone did not achieve the lasting fame of some of his contemporaries, his contributions to Elizabethan literature were significant. His play *Promos and Cassandra* is particularly noted for its influence on William Shakespeare, who drew on the same source material for *Measure for Measure*. Scholars recognize Whetstone as part of the literary milieu that shaped the development of English drama and poetry in the late 16th century.
Whetstone’s blending of Italian narrative forms with English moral concerns helped pave the way for the more complex characterizations and themes that would come to define Elizabethan and Jacobean drama. His works also contributed to the growing body of English prose literature, particularly through his translations and moral dialogues.
## Personal Life and Death
Little is known about Whetstone’s personal life. Records suggest that he may have served as a soldier or traveler, experiences that could have informed his writing. He died in 1587, but the circumstances of his death remain unclear. Despite the limited biographical information, Whetstone’s literary output provides valuable insight into the cultural and intellectual currents of his time.
## Conclusion
George Whetstone remains a noteworthy figure in the landscape of Elizabethan literature. His adaptations of Italian tales, moralistic themes, and contributions to early English drama mark him as an important, if somewhat overlooked, writer of the Renaissance period. His influence on later dramatists, including Shakespeare, underscores his role in the evolution of English literary tradition.
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**Meta Description:**
George Whetstone was an English Elizabethan dramatist and poet known for his moralistic plays and poetry, including *Promos and Cassandra*, which influenced later writers such as Shakespeare. His works reflect the literary and cultural trends of the late 16th century.