# Scene III explained — Timon of Athens

> Chapter companion for Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

A soldier enters the woods seeking Timon, discovers his tomb, and notes that Timon is dead. He takes an impression of the inscription to bring to his captain, Alcibiades, who is about to march on Athens.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Reversal

Timon, once wealthy and powerful, dies alone in the woods, marking a complete reversal of fortune.

### Misanthropy and Human Nature

Timon's death in isolation underscores his profound misanthropy and rejection of human society.

## Character check-ins

### Timon

Found dead in the woods; his tomb is discovered by the soldier.

### Alcibiades

Referenced as the captain to whom the soldier will bring the inscription; he is set against Athens.

## Key lines

> Timon is dead, who hath outstretch'd his span: Some beast rear'd this; there does not live a man.

Timon has died, having lived beyond his natural lifespan; some animal must have built this tomb, for no human remains.

_The soldier observes Timon's death and the crude tomb, emphasizing his complete isolation from humanity._

> Our captain hath in every figure skill, An aged interpreter, though young in days: Before proud Athens he’s set down by this, Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.

Our captain is skilled at reading all inscriptions, wise beyond his years; he is now positioned before proud Athens, whose destruction is the goal of his ambition.

_The soldier plans to bring the inscription to Alcibiades, who is about to attack Athens._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se/chapters/act-v-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/timon_of_athens_se/chapters