Timon of Athens · Chapter
Scene II explained
Two Senators receive a messenger reporting Alcibiades' imminent approach with his army.
What happens
Two Senators receive a messenger reporting Alcibiades' imminent approach with his army. The messenger reveals that Alcibiades has sent a courier to Timon's cave seeking his alliance against Athens. Other Senators return from Timon with no hope of his help, and they prepare for the city's likely fall.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Timon’s discovery of gold triggers his emotional and psychological peak: a furious, misanthropic tirade agains…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Fortune and Reversal
Athens, once powerful, now faces imminent defeat as Timon's former friend Alcibiades marches against the city, reversing their fortunes.
- Friendship and Betrayal
Alcibiades seeks Timon's alliance against Athens, highlighting the fractured loyalties and betrayals that define the play's social landscape.
Characters to notice
- First Senator
Receives the messenger's report about Alcibiades' forces and expresses concern about Timon's absence.
- Messenger
Delivers news of Alcibiades' approaching army and reveals that a courier was sent to Timon's cave seeking his alliance.
- Alcibiades
Mentioned as leading the army against Athens and sending letters to Timon for support.
- Timon
Referenced as the one Alcibiades seeks to recruit; the Senators report no hope of his return.
Key passages
“Thou hast painfully discover’d: are his files As full as thy report?”
You have reported with great effort: are his ranks as numerous as you say?
The First Senator questions the messenger about the size of Alcibiades' army.
“I met a courier, one mine ancient friend; Whom, though in general part we were opposed, Yet our old love made a particular force, And made us speak like friends”
I encountered a messenger, an old friend of mine; even though we were on opposite sides, our past friendship compelled us to talk as allies.
The messenger describes meeting a courier from Alcibiades, emphasizing how personal bonds can overcome political enmity.
“No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect. The enemies’ drum is heard, and fearful scouring Doth choke the air with dust: in, and prepare: Ours is the fall, I fear; our foes the snare.”
Do not speak of Timon, expect nothing from him. The enemy's drum sounds, and the dust of their advance fills the air: go inside and prepare. I fear we will fall; our enemies have set the trap.
The returning Senators announce that Timon will not help, and urge the city to brace for defeat.
