How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
TIMON:
The gods confound—hear me, you good gods all—
The Athenians both within and out that wall!
And grant, as Timon grows, his hate may grow
To the whole race of mankind, high and low! (4.1.37-40)
Timon stands outside the city gates and yells at the people inside the city walls. We get the sense that this passionate little speech is more for his own benefit, though. Who's listening, anyway? Timon might be railing at all mankind, but we think he's finally understanding that he has no real friends, and he's partly yelling at himself for not realizing it sooner.
Quote #5
TIMON:
I am Misanthropos, and hate mankind.
For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog,
That I might love thee something. (4.3.54-56)
When Alcibiades comes right out and asks why Timon hates him, this is Timon's response. As snarky comebacks go, this one takes the cake. It also shows us a different Timon from the rich, benevolent guy we encountered early on in the play. Also, take a look at how Timon says he is Misanthropos: he's basically he's the biggest, baddest misanthrope out there. Nobody hates mankind more than he does. You'd think the worst possible thing ever happened to him. Did it? (If you think so, allow us to direct you on over to King Lear for another perspective.)
Quote #6
TIMON:
Why shouldst thou hate men?
They never flatter'd thee: what hast thou given?
If thou wilt curse, thy father, that poor rag,
Must be thy subject, who in spite put stuff
To some she beggar and compounded thee
Poor rogue hereditary. Hence, be gone!
If thou hadst not been born the worst of men,
Thou hadst been a knave and flatterer. (4.3.270-277)
Poor Timon. He's had it harder than Apemantus. Boohoo. But, okay, he's also willing to admit that not everyone should hate mankind. He might despise men because of what his friends did to him, but he doesn't get why Apemantus has to be so cranky. Let's think about that for a moment. What's worse: having your friends use you for your money, or never having any kind of love, ever? Can we even compare these two things? We're not sure. Timon sure thinks he can, though, and he thinks he's had it way worse.