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Table of Contents | Printable Version Act Summaries With Notes Act I Scene 1 Summary The scene is laid in the hall of Timon’s house. As the curtain rises, one hears the conversation between the poet, painter, jeweler, and merchant. As the action begins Timon exercises his Magic of bounty, that is, the power of generosity which is equal to the magician’s power. A reflection of world is clearly shown through the ways, which are quite familiar to those who live in it. The poet and the painter are conversing. The poet questions "How goes the world?" The painter answers, "it wears Sir as it passes away." This means that, the world is deteriorating with time. The poet compares his poetry to gum, which flows steadily and unlike the flint which, has to be struck to produce fire. What he means here is that, poetic inspiration does not needs external stimulus. The poet is eager to present his poem to Timon, the patron, and hopes that he will sponsor the publication. The Senators of Athens happy men (I.i 40) The poet envies the Senators for their position and because they are Timon’s friends and equals. He implies the truth that the friends are attracted by Timon’s wealth. The painter shows his painting and the poet praises him for bringing out in his picture Timon’s superhuman virtues, that is his ‘mental power,’ ‘big imagination,’ and his ‘grace’- all real and impressive human qualities. The painter feels that painting is more expressive than poetry. Both the artist live by exploiting their art. When they finally gain audience with Timon, the poet shows his true appreciation for Timon. He, through his poem, warns Timon to watch out for those who are with him when the goddess of fortune is favorable to him. These very people might desert him when The Goddess turns her back to him.
Apemantus a cynic philosopher enters the scene. Since Timon is ready to bear him, the jeweler and the painter also stand him. Timon invites him to eat to which Apemantus refuses. Towards the end there is an argument between the poet and Apemantus in which Apemantus calls the poet a liar. There is a sound of trumpets, which announces the arrival of Alcibiades with twenty companions. Timon goes to meet Alcibiades leaving Apemantus with the two lords. The two lords talk for some time and then they too leave for the feast. Table of Contents | Printable Version | |
