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Nathan The Wise - Online Papers

Nathan The Wise

Continually present in Gotthold Lessing’s play, , is the pursuit for truth. In particular, a truth that goes beyond religion, one that reaches to the depths of humanity: human nature’s freedom. In his play, Lessing reveals the freedom of human nature among mankind through the bonds of friendship. Furthermore, Lessing conveys an optimistic view of human nature in such a way that left to its own devices, human nature will seek the goodness of mankind and fraternity. Friendship in its purest form is not bound to the confines of religious differences, social status, or selfishness. Without religion or society imposing its ideals, human nature is free to pursue truth and seek the goodness ...

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hide behind the monstrous, merely to escape admiration” (212). The lengths the Templar went to in order to save a life is a testament in itself of his goodness, far more powerful than his insults, "I find it strange that such an ugly spot [on Templar’s robe], soiled by the fire, bears better witness than a man’s own lips” (212).
For Nathan, friends do not concern themselves with social status, religious beliefs, or titles; but rather, they can distinguish between the man and the facade. In Nathan’s words, "are Jew and Christian, Jew and Christian first and human beings second?" (214). In Act II, Scene IV, Nathan makes an attempt to thank the Templar for fleeing Temptation on behalf of his daughter. In which the Templar replies, “You know how the Templars ought to think.” Seemingly shocked, Nathan says, “Templars alone? and merely ought?. . .I know how good men think; I know as well that all lands bear good men” (213). Nathan is not concerned with the Templar’s position which ...

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/2/2006 07:51:37 AM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1222
Pages: 5

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