# Scene IV explained — Timon of Athens > Chapter companion for Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare. ## What happens Timon is besieged by creditors' servants demanding payment. He erupts in rage at their ingratitude, then abruptly decides to host another feast for his false friends, despite Flavius's warning that he lacks the funds. ## Themes in this chapter ### Ingratitude Timon rails against the ingratitude of those who feasted at his table and now demand payment. ### Fortune and Reversal Timon's fall from wealth and generosity to being besieged by creditors illustrates a dramatic reversal of fortune. ## Character check-ins ### Timon Confronts creditors with fury, then resolves to host another feast. ### Flavius Muffled and trying to avoid the creditors; warns Timon of his depleted finances. ### Servilius Attempts to delay the creditors, citing Timon's discontent. ### Flaminius Briefly appears to announce Timon's unavailability. ### Titus One of the creditors' servants pressing for payment. ## Key lines > The place which I have feasted, does it now, Like all mankind, show me an iron heart? The house where I once entertained guests now treats me as coldly as everyone else. _Timon laments the universal ingratitude he perceives._ > You must consider that a prodigal course Is like the sun's; but not, like his, recoverable. A spendthrift's wealth, like the sun, sets, but unlike the sun it does not rise again. _A creditor's servant comments on Timon's irreversible financial decline._ > I know my lord hath spent of Timon's wealth, And now ingratitude makes it worse than stealth. My master has benefited from Timon's generosity, and his ingratitude now makes it worse than theft. _Hortensius reflects on the moral failing of those who took Timon's gifts._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se/chapters