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MonkeyNotes-Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare
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Scene 2
Summary
As the curtain rises Lord Lucius is seen in conversation with
three strangers. The first stranger informs Lucius about TimonÂ’s
poor financial condition. He also informs Lucius about how Lord
Lucullus refused to help Timon by giving him the much-needed
talents. This surprises Lucius and he declares that although he
has received fewer gifts from Timon than Lord Lucullus has he
would not have refused if Timon had asked for his help.
TimonÂ’s servant Servilius enters and declares that his master has
sent him for financial help. Lucius at first finds it difficult to
believe that Timon is in debt. Like Lucullus, Lucius too expects
that the servant is carrying a gift from Timon.
Lucius refuses to help Timon but he is more refined in his
excuse. He claims to have spent it on purchases just the day
before. After the servant leaves he says ‘he that once denied will
hardly speed,Â’ which means if a person is denied once he will
think twice before approaching again. This shows his ungrateful
and selfish nature. The conversation between the strangers and
Hostilius is worth noting. The stranger is aware of the good
Timon had done for Lucius. Timon has supported Lucius by
giving him money to keep his estates and also to pay the wages
of his servants. The first stranger says ‘I would have put my
wealth into donation and the best half should have returned to
himÂ’ is worth noting as it shows the strangerÂ’s generosity
towards Timon. However, his next remark that, in todayÂ’s world
self-interest is more important than listening to oneÂ’s conscience,
is a contradiction of this remark.
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MonkeyNotes-Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare
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