Nathan the Wise: A Classic Drama by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Synopsis

Nathan the Wise, originally titled Nathan der Weise in German, is a play written in 1779 by the renowned German playwright and philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. This five-act "drama of ideas" explores the themes of religious tolerance, intellectual freedom, and the equality of all humans.

Main Character

The titular character, Nathan, is a wealthy and wise Jewish merchant. Through his interactions with a Muslim sultan and a Christian knight, Nathan advocates for religious harmony and challenges the prejudices that divide different faiths.

Historical Context

Nathan the Wise was written during the Enlightenment period, when ideas of reason and tolerance were gaining momentum. It reflects Lessing's own belief in the value of human reason and the importance of religious understanding.