Summary:
Samson Agonistes is a dramatic poem by John Milton, written in the form of a tragedy and based on the Biblical story of Samson, the hero of the Israelites who was betrayed by Delilah and lost his strength. The poem explores themes of heroism, suffering, betrayal, and redemption. The story focuses on Samson’s internal struggle as he faces the consequences of his actions, including his blindness and capture by the Philistines. The poem is centered around a dramatic dialogue between Samson and various characters, including his father, his servant, and Delilah, which ultimately leads to his final act of heroism. Despite his physical weakness, Samson finds inner strength and redeems himself by destroying the Philistine temple, killing his enemies, and sacrificing his life in the process.
MCQs:
- Who is the protagonist of Samson Agonistes?
a) Delilah
b) Samson
c) The Philistine king
d) Manasseh
Answer: b) Samson - What is the central theme of Samson Agonistes?
a) Love and betrayal
b) The loss and recovery of strength
c) The rise of the Israelites
d) The fall of the Roman Empire
Answer: b) The loss and recovery of strength - Who betrays Samson in the poem?
a) His father
b) Delilah
c) His brother
d) A servant
Answer: b) Delilah
Samson Agonistes - In Samson Agonistes, what is Samson’s greatest source of strength?
a) His physical might
b) His faith in God
c) His wisdom
d) His family’s support
Answer: a) His physical might - What happens to Samson after he is betrayed by Delilah?
a) He is crowned king
b) He loses his strength and is blinded
c) He escapes to a distant land
d) He becomes a slave of the Philistines
Answer: b) He loses his strength and is blinded - What is Samson’s final act of heroism in the poem?
a) He defeats Delilah in combat
b) He escapes from prison
c) He destroys the Philistine temple by pushing over its pillars
d) He converts the Philistines to his faith
Answer: c) He destroys the Philistine temple by pushing over its pillars - Who serves as the moral guide for Samson in Samson Agonistes?
a) His father
b) His friend
c) His inner voice or conscience
d) Delilah
Answer: c) His inner voice or conscience - Which of the following best describes the form of Samson Agonistes?
a) Epic poem
b) Dramatic tragedy
c) Lyric poem
d) Satirical essay
Answer: b) Dramatic tragedy - What does Samson struggle with throughout Samson Agonistes?
a) A sense of failure and regret
b) A desire for revenge against Delilah
c) A longing for freedom from the Philistines
d) An internal conflict between his strength and weakness
Answer: d) An internal conflict between his strength and weakness - How does Samson ultimately find redemption in Samson Agonistes?
a) By escaping from prison
b) By defeating the Philistine king in single combat
c) By sacrificing himself to destroy the Philistine temple
d) By regaining his sight
Answer: c) By sacrificing himself to destroy the Philistine temple
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Samson Agonistes |
| Poet | John Milton |
| Year Written | 1671 |
| Year Published | 1671 |
| Poem Type | Tragedy |
| Verse Form | Blank Verse |
| Main Characters | Samson, Delilah, The Philistine King, The Chorus |
| Themes | Strength, Betrayal, Redemption, Faith, Suffering, Heroism |
| Main Conflict | Samson’s internal struggle with his blindness and loss of strength |
| Famous Quote | “O let me die with the Philistines!” |
| Structure | Written in dramatic form, composed of a chorus and dialogues |
| Legacy | One of Milton’s last works, often regarded as a masterpiece of English drama |