Book
Timon of Athens
First published 1623
Timon is a wealthy Athenian who gives lavishly to friends, artists and dependants, assuming that generosity has created lasting bonds. When his resources are exhausted and creditors demand payment, the people who benefited from his gifts refuse to help him.
Disillusioned, Timon abandons Athens and becomes a bitter enemy of human society. Even the discovery of gold only confirms his belief that money corrupts every relationship it touches. The play uses an ancient Athenian setting to explore patronage, debt, friendship and the instability of status when social loyalty depends on wealth.
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