Read Shakespeare's Timon a few days ago, and it raises a lot of issues very
relevant to this group. For those who aren't familiar with it: Timon is a
wealthy Athenian, who shows limitless hospitality. When he falls into debt
he finds that none of the people he's favoured are ready to help him and
lend him money. He goes off into the countryside to live alone, pouring
scorn on the values and people of Athens.
The attitudes to money, need and desire he articulates once in the
countryside are fascinating. In the ejection of his past life he moves
towards embracing a life lived in harmony with nature, best conveyed in
these lines:
"Why should you want? Behold, the earth has roots;
Within this mile break forth a hundred springs;
The oaks bear mast. the briars scarlet hips;
the bounteous housewife Nature on each bush
Lays her full mess before you. Want? Why want?"
Anyone else have any thoughts on the play?
