Scene II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Ingratitude

  Lucilius, who has received many gifts from Timon, refuses to help him in need, demonstrating the ingratitude of Timon's friends. The First Stranger explicitly condemns this as 'the monstrousness of man when he looks out in an ungrateful shape.'

• Flattery and Deception

  Lucilius flatters Timon with words of friendship and honor, but when asked for a loan, he deceives by claiming inability, revealing the falsehood behind his flattery. The First Stranger notes that 'every flatterer's spirit' is the same.

Characters to notice

• Lucilius

  Lucilius is approached by strangers who inform him of Timon's financial decline. He initially denies it, but when Servilius asks for a loan on Timon's behalf, he makes excuses and refuses, revealing his own ingratitude.

• Servilius

  Servilius is sent by Timon to request a loan from Lucilius. He faithfully delivers the request but is denied, highlighting the betrayal of Timon's friends.

• First Stranger

  The First Stranger observes Lucilius's refusal and comments on the ingratitude and flattery of Timon's supposed friends, noting that Timon had supported Lucilius like a father.

• Second Stranger

  The Second Stranger confirms to Lucilius that Timon's servant was denied a loan by Lord Lucullus, and later agrees with the First Stranger's observations about the world's ingratitude.

Key passages

• “now Lord Timon’s happy hours are done and past, and his estate shrinks from him.”

  Timon's prosperous days are over, and his wealth is diminishing.

  The First Stranger reports the common rumor of Timon's financial decline.

• “I have received some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels and such-like trifles, nothing comparing to his; yet, had he mistook him and sent to me, I should ne’er have denied his occasion so many talents.”

  I have received many gifts from Timon, and if he had asked me for a loan, I would never have refused him.

  Lucilius hypocritically claims he would have helped Timon, even as he refuses to do so.

• “Why, this is the world’s soul; and just of the same piece Is every flatterer’s spirit.”

  This is the essence of the world: every flatterer behaves the same way.

  The First Stranger reflects on the universal nature of flattery and ingratitude.

• “Timon has been this lord’s father, And kept his credit with his purse, Supported his estate; nay, Timon’s money Has paid his men their wages: he ne’er drinks, But Timon’s silver treads upon his lip; And yet—O, see the monstrousness of man When he looks out in an ungrateful shape!— He does deny him, in respect of his, What charitable men afford to beggars.”

  Timon has been like a father to Lucilius, supporting his wealth and paying his servants, yet Lucilius denies him even the charity given to beggars.

  The First Stranger highlights the depth of Lucilius's ingratitude despite Timon's immense generosity.