Timon of Athens' is the exploration of a new kind of tragic form. Certain usual elements of Shakespearean tragedy are reduced in importance or eliminated from the structure of the play. Some critics say that 'Timon of Athens' is Shakespeare's rough draft of a play. It certainly has close analoges with the great plays of the few years to which its composition belongs. If it is a rough draft then it presents a unique opportunity of getting close to Shakespeare's method of writing. In spite of this, 'Timon of Athens' is readable, valuable play for everyone.