Timon of Athens

Shakespeare’s tragedy, Timon of Athens, first performed in 1607, centers around Timon, a wealthy and generous man who loves to give gifts to his friends without expecting anything in return. Timon lavishes so many gifts on all he can that he runs out of money. When the debtors come to collect the money Timon borrowed from them, he realizes the terrible shape he is in. Timon begs all of his friends to loan him money, but not one is moved to help him. Timon is surprised since he sincerely believed that most men were like him and would freely help him as he had helped them. Timon is held prisoner in his own home until he can pay off his debts.

Timon decides to throw one last feast and invites all of his friends and many lords. When he serves the mean he reveals stones and boiling water. Timon is then banished from Athens and lives like a wild beast in the forest. While searching for food he finds a large cache of gold. He buries most of it, keeping some with him. When his friend Alcibiades, a soldier, finds Timon, he relates his anger towards Athens and tells Timon that he plans to invade the city to right all the wrongs done to him and Timon. Timon is moved and gives the gold to Alcibiades. Timon then laments his poor condition and curses all mankind.

As Alcibiades and his army approach Athens, the elders beg Timon to dissuade Alcibiades. Timon refuses and the elders return to find Athens under siege. They reason with Alcibiades that the city should not be destroyed since it was only a few evil men who mistreated him and Timon. Alcibiades agrees to save Athens if the elders turn over the wrongdoers. The elders comply and as Alcibiades punishes them, word comes that Timon has hanged himself. Alcibiades laments his death and delivers a moving eulogy. He discovers that many in the city truly honored Timon, revealing that his generosity genuinely affected the whole city.

Like many people, Timon thinks that he can buy friendship. But when money is used to buy friends, often unsavory kind of people are the ones who are attracted to the generous person. When times are good, “friends” abound, but when fortune takes a bad turn, these “friends” are nowhere to be found. However, true generosity will always touch the hearts of the sincere, often in unknown ways.

Timon was just as self-centered as some of the unworthy characters who leeched off him since he loved the flattery and status that his generosity created. It took a serious setback to get his attention and deepen his character and teach him wisdom. Unfortunately, he let his bitterness destroy his heart and ultimately his life. Because he refused to let go of his bitterness he didn’t get to see the positive impact he had had on many citizens of Athens.