Summary
Timon of Athens, a nobleman of immense wealth, becomes the center of attention for a wide variety of individuals in Athens. Poets, artists, merchants, and politicians all seek his favor, drawn by his boundless generosity and the hope of gaining his friendship. An observing poet shares a vision with an artist: Timon, favored by Fortune, is surrounded by admirers who revel in his prosperity but would abandon him in his time of need.
The Generous Host
Timon, amidst a throng of suitors, is approached by a messenger bearing news of his friend Ventidius's imprisonment due to debt. Without hesitation, Timon vows to clear Ventidius's debts and provide support until he regains his footing. Another petitioner, an old man, claims that one of Timon's servants has won his daughter’s affections; Timon generously promises to match the girl's dowry. Graciously receiving flattering words from a poet, painter, and jeweler, Timon remains unfazed by Apemantus, a blunt friend who calls the fawning crowd deceitful. Even Alcibiades, a renowned military leader, arrives with his entourage to partake in Timon's lavish hospitality, while Apemantus disdainfully curses their indulgence.
A Feast of Friendship
A grand feast unfolds with music and merriment. Ventidius, now free, offers to repay Timon, who refuses to accept the money, valuing friendship over financial return. Apemantus warns that those partaking of Timon's bounty might later betray him, but Timon remains grateful for his friends, wishing only that he were poorer to allow them a chance to share their wealth. His eyes brim with tears as he is moved by the fellowship, and affluent Athenian ladies present him with gifts from wealthy men. In turn, Timon gifts his departing friends, while Flavius, his steward, notes the strain on Timon's resources. Despite Apemantus’s cynicism, Timon offers him gifts in exchange for stopping his critical diatribes.
From Wealth to Ruin
Soon, Timon finds himself facing financial ruin. A senator, among his many creditors, sends a servant to demand repayment, joined by others at Timon's doorstep. Unaware of his depleted finances until Flavius reveals the truth, Timon orders the liquidation of his remaining assets. Even as Flavius informs him that his properties are either sold or mortgaged, Timon remains optimistic, seeing an opportunity to test his friends. He instructs his servants to seek loans from Lucius, Lucullus, and Sempronius, and even suggests appealing to the senators for funds. However, Flavius admits that these efforts have already failed. Unwavering in his trust, Timon recommends approaching Ventidius, now wealthy.
Bitter Disappointments
Lucullus, approached first, refuses to lend, claiming that Timon's friendship is insufficient collateral and attempting to bribe the servant for silence. Outraged, the servant rejects the money and leaves. Lucius, too, feigns hardship, suggesting he hoped to borrow from Timon. A third servant encounters Sempronius, who, upon hearing that others refused Timon, pretends to be slighted for not being asked first and denies help. As Timon's creditors grow increasingly assertive, he angrily invites them to a feast, intending to confront them.
Timon's Retaliation
At the staged banquet, Timon's creditors arrive, expecting a sumptuous meal. Instead, they are met with covered dishes filled only with warm water. Timon curses them, splashing the water in their faces and banishing them from his home. Disillusioned, Timon abandons Athens, his misanthropy now consuming him. He focuses his ire initially on the city and its people but foresees a future where his animosity will extend to all mankind.
Isolation and Discovery
Flavius informs fellow servants that their employment has ended, and he shares his remaining resources with them before setting out to find Timon. Living in solitude near the sea, Timon discovers...
(This entire section contains 932 words.)
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gold while foraging for roots and scorns it as the cause of his downfall. Alcibiades, on his march to wage war against Athens, encounters Timon and receives gold from him to aid his cause. Timon also gives gold to Alcibiades's mistresses, urging them to spread corruption. After Alcibiades departs, Timon resumes his solitary existence, surviving on foraged roots.
Confrontations and Curses
Apemantus visits to deride Timon for his extreme shift from excessive trust to bitter isolation, suggesting he return to Athens and curry favor with those still fortunate. After Apemantus departs, a group of thieves, lured by tales of Timon's newfound wealth, arrives at his cave. Timon, dismissive of their plight, hurls gold at them, ordering them to sow chaos in Athens. His vitriolic words compel them to abandon their criminal ways.
Faithful Steward
Flavius discovers Timon in his desolate state and is moved to tears by his master’s condition. Initially harsh, Timon is softened by Flavius's loyalty and gives him gold, advising him to aid only dogs. News of Timon's wealth reaches Athens, prompting the poet and the painter to visit his cave, where Timon sarcastically commends their integrity and gives them gold to use in undermining other flatterers.
Rejections and Reflection
Accompanied by two senators, Flavius returns to Timon, bearing apologies and offers of financial aid and military command in the conflict with Alcibiades. Timon, unrepentant, curses both Athens and Alcibiades, suggesting the Athenians end their troubles by hanging themselves near his cave. Withdrawing into the cave, he leaves the senators to return empty-handed.
The City and the Siege
In Athens, senators plead with Alcibiades to spare the city, arguing its significance outweighs the grievances of individuals like Timon and Alcibiades. Alcibiades agrees, demanding punishment for those who wronged him and Timon. As the city opens its gates to him, a messenger arrives with news of Timon's death. Alcibiades reads Timon's epitaph, which echoes his enduring misanthropy and wish for no one to linger at his grave.