37 pages 1 hour read

Gotthold Lessing

Nathan the Wise

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1779

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Nathan the Wise by Gotthold Lessing is set in Jerusalem during the Crusades and focuses on the Jewish merchant Nathan, who returns home to find his adopted daughter Recha saved from a fire by a Christian Templar. The play interweaves themes of religious tolerance as Nathan, the Templar, and the Muslim sultan Saladin form friendships and uncover hidden connections between their families, ultimately promoting unity among different faiths.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nathan the Wise by Gotthold Lessing is lauded for its timeless advocacy of religious tolerance and humanism. Critics commend the play’s intellectual depth and moral philosophy, though some find its didactic tone and dense dialogue challenging. Lessing’s characters are praised for their nuance, though the plot can feel overly contrived. Overall, it's a thought-provoking classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nathan the Wise?

A reader who would enjoy Nathan the Wise by Gotthold Lessing is interested in Enlightenment ideals, religious tolerance, and philosophical dialogues. They appreciate works like Utopia by Thomas More and Voltaire's Candide, which similarly explore themes of reason, society, and ethical dilemmas.

Recommended

Reading Age

15-18years

Book Details

Genre

Play: Historical

Drama / Tragedy

Philosophy

Topics

Religion / Spirituality

Relationships

Philosophy

Period

Elizabethan Era

Themes

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed