Timon of Athens | Timon
Historically, Timon the Misanthrope lived in the fifth century B.C. According to Greek historians, he withdrew from the world and lived in solitude after he discovered his friends were deceitful. In classical literature, he is the standard symbol for misanthropy—hatred or distrust of all mankind.
In Timon of Athens, the principal character's background is a mystery. Of all Shakespeare's tragic heroes, Timon is the most alone. He has no wife or child, parents or siblings. In the first half of the play he appears to be a private citizen, yet there are suggestions...
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