Samson Agonistes: Analysis of Major Characters
"Samson Agonistes" is a tragic poem by John Milton that explores the complexities of its titular character, Samson, a Hebrew hero who has been blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines. The narrative unfolds as Samson grapples with feelings of despair, believing he has betrayed both God and himself. Central to his character arc is his confrontation with temptations, especially those posed by his wife, Dalila, who symbolizes betrayal and manipulation. As he regains a sense of purpose, Samson resolves to fulfill his divine mission at the Philistines' feast, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his beliefs.
Other significant figures include Manoa, Samson's father, who embodies parental love and grief, and Harapha, a boastful Philistine warrior who underestimates Samson's strength. The Chorus of Hebrew elders serves as a moral commentary, providing insights into Samson's struggles and the larger cultural context of his actions. This interplay of characters highlights themes of faith, redemption, and the conflict between personal weakness and heroic duty, making "Samson Agonistes" a profound exploration of human experience and moral challenges.
Samson Agonistes: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Milton
First published: 1671
Genre: Play
Locale: Palestine
Plot: Tragedy
Time: c. 1100 b.c.e.
Samson, the great Hebrew champion, who has been blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines. When the Chorus first greets him, he is deeply depressed, for he feels that he has betrayed God and himself by his own weakness. His successful resistance of Dalila's temptations and his defiance of Harapha's taunts restore his sense that he has a mission to perform. He goes to the Philistines' feast in honor of their god, Dagon, with strong consciousness that he will find there atasktodoinGod'sservice, andhe“quit himself like Samson” by pulling the hall down on the heads of his enemies and himself.
Manoa, Samson's kind old father. He seeks to ransom his son and offers to devote the rest of his life to caring for him. Although he mourns Samson's death, he rejoices at the grandeur and heroism of his end.
Dalila (dah-LI-lah), Samson's treacherous Philistine wife. She cajoles her husband, avows her repentance, and tries to excuse her betrayal of him by pleading her duty to her country, as a means of winning him back. Realizing that he will not fall prey to her hypocrisy, she departs in anger, consoling herself with the thought that she will be regarded as a heroine by her own countrymen.
Harapha, a boastful Philistine warrior. He insults Samson and challenges him to defend his God against Dagon, when he believes his enemy to be weak. He exits quickly when he realizes that Samson has recovered his strength and his willingness to fight.
A Chorus of Hebrew elders, a group of old men who sympathize with Samson and comment on the action as it takes place.