Nathan The Wise :: essays research papers

Continu solelyy present in Gotthold Lessings play, Nathan the Wise, is the pursuit for truth. In particular, a truth that goes beyond religion, one that reaches to the depths of hu gentlemanity human natures freedom. In his play, Lessing reveals the freedom of human nature among mankind through the bonds of friendship. Furthermore, Lessing conveys an wanderative view of human nature in such a modality that left to its own devices, human nature will seek the rectitude of mankind and fraternity. Friendship in its purest form is not bound to the hold in of religious differences, well-disposed status, or selfishness. Without religion or society deluxe its ideals, human nature is free to pursue truth and seek the excellence in mankind while bonding in friendship.A unselfish act is great but good is not an act make for recognition. To Nathan, part of friendship is giving of oneself without receiving. The Templar shows his selflessness when Nathan offers the Templar riches for re scuing his daughter from a fire, but the Templar declines any praise with anti-Semitic insults, Permit what, Jew? (211). The Templars refusal, although harsh, seemed to affirm the goodness Nathan saw in the young man, A modest splendor would hide behind the monstrous, merely to escape admiration (212). The lengths the Templar went to in put in to save a life is a testament in itself of his goodness, outlying(prenominal) more powerful than his insults, "I find it strange that such an loathsome spot on Templars robe, soiled by the fire, bears better witness than a mans 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 Nathans words, "are Jew and Christian, Jew and Christian first and human beings sanction?" (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 T emplar 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 Templars carriage which is a mere robe but with the man behind the guise. A Templar is one of many, but a man is one alone twain individual and unique.Human nature is not bound by the fountainhead but is shown through the heart in friendship.