Timon of Athens · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Alcibiades approaches Athens with his army, demanding entry.
What happens
Alcibiades approaches Athens with his army, demanding entry. The Senators plead for mercy, arguing that not all Athenians are guilty. Alcibiades agrees to spare the city and punish only those who wronged him and Timon. A soldier then reports Timon's death and reads his epitaph, which expresses Timon's misanthropy. Alcibiades mourns Timon and resolves to bring peace to Athens.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Revenge
Alcibiades seeks revenge on Athens but is persuaded to temper justice with mercy, punishing only the guilty.
Ingratitude
The Senators acknowledge Athens' ingratitude toward Timon and Alcibiades, which led to the conflict.
Misanthropy and Human Nature
Timon's epitaph encapsulates his misanthropy, cursing all men and embracing death in isolation.
Characters to notice
- Alcibiades
Leads his army to Athens, negotiates with the Senators, and learns of Timon's death.
- First Senator
Pleads with Alcibiades to spare Athens, arguing that only the guilty should be punished.
- Second Senator
Supports the First Senator's plea and offers terms for Alcibiades' peaceful entry.
- Timon
Reported dead; his epitaph is read, revealing his enduring hatred for humanity.
- Soldier
Brings news of Timon's death and delivers the epitaph to Alcibiades.
Key passages
“Sound to this coward and lascivious town Our terrible approach.”
Alcibiades orders his trumpets to announce his army's terrifying arrival to the cowardly and immoral city.
Alcibiades condemns Athens as cowardly and licentious, justifying his military action.
“All have not offended; For those that were, it is not square to take On those that are, revenges: crimes, like lands, Are not inherited.”
Not everyone is guilty; it is unjust to punish the living for the crimes of the dead, as wrongdoing is not inherited like property.
The First Senator argues for selective justice, distinguishing between past offenders and current citizens.
“Here lies a wretched corse, of wretched soul bereft: Seek not my name: a plague consume you wicked caitiffs left! Here lie I, Timon; who, alive, all living men did hate: Pass by and curse thy fill, but pass and stay not here thy gait.”
This is the body of a miserable man, stripped of his soul. Do not ask my name; may a plague destroy you wicked wretches. I am Timon, who hated all people in life. Walk by and curse me if you wish, but do not linger.
Timon's epitaph expresses his profound misanthropy and desire for isolation even in death.