Nathan The Wise :: essays research papers

Continually present in Gotthold Lessings play, Nathan the Wise, is the pursuit for truth. In particular, a truth that goes beyond righteousness, one that reaches to the depths of earth hu human geniuss freedom. In his play, Lessing reveals the freedom of human disposition 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 nigh(a)ness of mankind and fraternity. Friendship in its purest traffic pattern is non bound to the confines of religious differences, social status, or selfishness. Without religion or society imposing its ideals, human nature is free to conform to truth and seek the goodness in mankind while stick in friendship.A selfless act is good exactly good is non an act done for recognition. To Nathan, part of friendship is giving of oneself without receiving. The Templar shows his self-sacrifice when Nathan offers the Templar riche s for rescuing 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 small man, A modest greatness would hide behind the monstrous, merely to evasion 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 finger it strange that such an ugly 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 skunk distinguish between the man and the facade. In Nathans words, "are Jew and Christian, Jew and Christian first and human beings second?" (214). In Act II, Scene IV, Nathan makes an blast to thank the Templar for fleeing Temptation on behalf of his daughter. In which the Templar replie s, You admit how the Templars ought to think. Seemingly shocked, Nathan says, Templars altogether? 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 position which is a mere robe but with the man behind the guise. A Templar is one of many, but a man is one alone both individual and unique.Human nature is not bound by the mind but is shown through the heart in friendship.