Timon of Athens is a tragic play following the exploits of the title character, Timon, as he slides from wealth and status into bitter, cynical misanthropy. Timon's fall begins when he is exposed to cynical philosophies at a lavish banquet he himself is hosting. Timon's inability to accept counsel leads him to ignore his scribe's warnings of bankruptcy and give lavishly to many artists and writers. This leads Timon to poverty and despair, and eventually to a total rejection of the world of civilization.