37 pages • 1 hour read
Nathan the Wise
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Book Brief
171
Play • Fiction
Jerusalem • Third Crusade
1779
Adult
15-18 years
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.
Informative
Inspirational
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
110 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
110 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Templar
The Templar
A Christian knight known for his bravery and mysterious past, who undergoes significant personal change as his interactions with Nathan and Recha unfold.
Recha
Recha
A young woman who is saved from a fire by the Templar, whose identity and relationships become central to the play's unfolding drama.
Saladin
Saladin
The Muslim sultan who seeks financial help from Nathan, ultimately forming a friendship with him that showcases mutual respect and understanding.
171
Play • Fiction
Jerusalem • Third Crusade
1779
Adult
15-18 years
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