Nathan the Wise

Nathan is described as wise, in the title of the play and through the words of characters such as Saladin. What do people consider makes Nathan wise? Is there anyone in the play who is considered foolish?

The Patriarch and the Lay Brother both represent the Christian Church. Compare and contrast these two figures. What contrasting views of Christianity do they present within the play?

Analyze the character of Daja. What are her motivations in revealing the truth about Recha to the Templar and to Recha? What does she hope to accomplish, and why?

Analyze the story of the ring of priceless worth. What makes that story parable-like? Are there any other passages in the play that have this parable-like quality?

Nathan the Wise provides a clear message of religious tolerance and includes characters representing three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Is each religion represented on equal terms in the play? Why or why not?

Nathan the Wise was originally written in German, but it has been translated into English multiple times. Select a favorite passage from the play, and find it in at least one other translation to compare. How are the translations different? How do the differences in translation impact the meaning of the passage?

Nathan the Wise has been considered controversial since it was first produced. Research the staging history of the play and discuss why it has stirred controversy at multiple points in history. How is the message of the play convincing despite this controversy?

Do some research on the Crusades. Based on what you have learned, in what ways does the play’s setting emphasize the play’s overarching themes and messages? How does Lessing use the extraordinary (or even improbable) nature of the play’s situation to his rhetorical advantage?