How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
APEMANTUS:
The
plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to catch
it and give way. When I know not what else to do, I'll
see thee again. (4.3.353-6)
Apemantus isn't one to make friends in the playground: he just wants to be left alone. Hmm… where have we heard that before? From Timon, perhaps? It's clear from this little encounter that two isolated misanthropes do not a fun time make. But why not? Why can't these guys see eye-to-eye, even when they're actually seeing eye-to-eye?
Quote #8
TIMON:
When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt
Be welcome. I had rather be a beggar's dog than
Apemantus. (4.3.357-359)
Ouch. This is what Timon says this to Apemantus to get rid of him. In case we didn't know before that Timon wants to be alone, we get it now. Why does Timon feel the need to repeat this wish so often? Why doesn't he travel to a different section of the woods so he can be alone? He seems to be situated for maximum exposure: maybe he just wants to complain all day so that people feel bad for ditching him?
Quote #9
TIMON:
You that way and you this, but two in company;
Each man apart, all single and alone,
Yet an arch-villain keeps him company. (5.1.104-106)
When the Poet and Painter come knocking, Timon is quick to dish out advice about being alone. But we think this isn't so much about his company, as it is about all men at this point. Timon thinks all men are alone, whether they have friends or not. Now that's deep.