How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
POET:
When Fortune in her shift and change of mood
Spurns down her late beloved, all his dependents
Which labour'd after him to the mountain's top
Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down,
Not one accompanying his declining foot. (1.1.87-91)
In the very first scene, the Poet describes what goes down in his poem, and guess what? The poem features someone suspiciously like Timon being abandoned. Our foreshadowing radars just went off... too bad Timon's didn't, though. He thinks the whole thing is amusing. Clearly, this guy is so wrapped up in himself that he can't see trouble even when it's right in front of him.
Quote #2
TIMON:
What, are my doors opposed against my passage?
Have I been ever free, and must my house
Be my retentive enemy, my gaol? (3.4.80-82)
Watch out, because Timon's in a rage at the collectors coming to get the money from him. He goes nuts and thinks about whether it would be better to isolate himself from everyone. We know he goes through with it, but is he better off? Was this his only option?
Quote #3
ALCIBIADES:
Now the gods keep you old enough; that you may live
Only in bone, that none may look on you!
I'm worse than mad: I have kept back their foes,
While they have told their money and let out
Their coin upon large interest, I myself
Rich only in large hurts. (3.5.105-110)
Alcibiades is pretty livid at the news that he's been banished. Even though he quickly hatches a plan to attack, he focuses here on what it feels like to be forced out of his hometown. Turns out it hurts. Don't feel too bad for the guy, though. This is the spark that makes Alcibiades decide to take over the city and set it right. It all works out for him in the end. (How different Alcibiades's end is from Timon's end, are we right?)