Samson Agonists by John Milton

John Milton is a poet of great philosophical power who depicted a melancholic tone in his writings . He is a master of tragedy depicting religious feelings. His tragic closet drama Samson Agonists published in 1671 alongside Paradise Regained. It is inspired by the biblical story of Samson from the Book of Judges and follows the tradition of Greek tragedies, particularly those of Sophocles and Euripides. The work is considered one of Milton’s most profound meditations on suffering, divine justice, and redemption.

Background and Context

Milton, a devout Puritan, wrote Samson Agonistes in his later years after he had gone completely blind. His own physical affliction and his disillusionment with the political failure of the Puritan revolution (following the Restoration of Charles II in 1660) deeply influenced the themes of the poem. Samson’s blindness, imprisonment, and eventual redemption parallel Milton’s own struggles, making the work intensely personal.

Summary of the Poem

The poem takes place after Samson has been captured by the Philistines, blinded, and imprisoned. He is physically weak, humiliated, and struggling with self-doubt. The structure of the poem follows the classical Aristotelian model of tragedy, where a hero with a fatal flaw (hamartia) undergoes suffering (pathos) and eventually achieves catharsis through a moment of recognition (anagnorisis).

Major Sections of the Poem:

Samson’s Lament and Despair

The poem begins with Samson alone, lamenting his fate. He reflects on how he has been reduced from a powerful warrior to a blind, powerless prisoner. He questions God’s justice in allowing him to fall into this state.

Encounters with the Chorus and Visitors

The Chorus (Hebrew elders) arrives and tries to comfort Samson, urging him to find meaning in his suffering.

Manoa, Samson’s father, visits and offers hope, saying he will try to negotiate his release.

Dalila (Delilah), his Philistine wife who betrayed him by cutting his hair (the source of his strength), also arrives. She tries to justify her actions and seeks his forgiveness, but Samson harshly rebukes her.

Harapha, a Philistine warrior, mocks Samson’s current weakness and challenges him, but Samson remains defiant.

The Climactic Moment

A messenger announces that Samson has been summoned to entertain the Philistines at their temple feast for their god, Dagon.

Despite initial reluctance, Samson feels a surge of divine inspiration and decides to go.

Offstage, Samson regains his strength, brings down the temple by pushing its pillars apart, and kills himself along with thousands of Philistines, fulfilling God’s will.

Aftermath and Resolution

The messenger describes the destruction in vivid detail.

The Chorus reflects on Samson’s heroism, likening him to a martyr.

Manoa mourns his son but acknowledges that his death served a greater divine purpose.

Themes and Interpretations

1. Blindness and Insight

Samson’s physical blindness symbolizes spiritual blindness, but as the poem progresses, he gains true insight into his purpose.

Milton, who was also blind, may have seen in Samson a reflection of his own struggles.

2. Divine Justice and Providence

The poem explores the idea of divine justice—why does God allow suffering?

Samson’s suffering is ultimately part of a greater divine plan.

3. Strength and Weakness

Samson’s journey shows that true strength comes not from physical power but from faith in God.

His weakness becomes a tool for divine action.

4. Tragedy and Redemption

Unlike Greek tragedies, which often end in despair, Samson Agonistes has a redemptive ending—Samson’s death serves a higher purpose.

Milton’s Style and Classical Influences

Milton structured Samson Agonistes in the style of a Greek tragedy, particularly drawing from Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Euripides' Hercules Furens.

Use of the Chorus: The Chorus comments on the action, reflecting both hope and despair.

Unities of Time, Place, and Action: The drama takes place in a single location (near Samson’s prison), within a short timeframe, and focuses on a single tragic arc.

Elevated Diction: The poem employs high poetic language, blank verse, and classical rhetorical devices.

Conclusion

Samson Agonistes is not just a biblical retelling but also an exploration of personal and political struggles. It is a reflection on suffering, faith, and redemption, deeply influenced by Milton’s own life. The poem ultimately asserts that suffering can serve a divine purpose, and true strength comes from faith in God. Through its tragic yet redemptive narrative, Samson Agonistes remains one of the most powerful and introspective works in English literature.