37 pages 1 hour read

Gotthold Lessing

Nathan the Wise

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1779

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Act VChapter Summaries & Analyses

Act V, Scenes 1-4 Summary

Saladin’s mamelukes let him know that finances have arrived from the Nile region. Next, Emir Mansor arrives. He and Saladin discuss how the Templars are preparing for another skirmish.

The Templar paces in front of Nathan’s house, wondering if he is right to be angry with Nathan for raising Recha under false pretenses. He begins to feel as though his anger is misguided. When he sees Nathan and the Lay Brother emerging from Nathan’s house, the Templar becomes concerned that Nathan has already been summoned to the Patriarch.

Nathan and the Lay Brother discuss the book belonging to Recha’s deceased father, which the Lay Brother has recovered. Nathan plans to take the book to Saladin and share what can be learned. Though Nathan knows he is in danger, he prays thanks to God that he is beginning to feel free of his burden.

Act V, Scenes 5-7 Summary

The Templar asks to accompany Nathan. As they walk, Nathan tells him that someone “denounced” him to the Patriarch, and asks if it was the Templar. He admits that it was he who divulged the information, but says that he was influenced by what Daja had revealed to him.