THE CENTRAL IDEAS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT IN THE DRAMAS "NATHAN THE WISE" AND "EMILIA GALOTTI"

This article analyzes the central ideas of the Enlightenment in Gotthold Ephraim Lessing’s dramas “Nathan the Wise” and “Emilia Galotti.” Both works reflect key Enlightenment values such as reason, tolerance, justice, and individual freedom. While “Nathan the Wise” promotes religious tolerance and humanism through philosophical dialogue, “Emilia Galotti” criticizes the abuse of political power and social inequality. The article highlights similarities and differences between the two dramas and emphasizes their significance in the context of Enlightenment thought.