of athens

Timon of Athens is a bitterly intriguing study of a fabulously rich man who wastes his wealth on his friends, and, when he is finally impoverished, learns to despise humanity with a hatred that drives him to his grave.

Provides information about what life was like in Greece in the sixth century B.C., discusses the history of the ruling families in Athens, and looks at Cleisthenes' rise to power and the democratic reforms he made in the government of the city-state.

Provides an overview of the origins and development of ancient comedy, and analyzes depictions of intergenerational conflict, especially between fathers and sons, as they appear in the comedic plays of Aristophanes, Menander, Platus, and Terence.