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  • Essay / Samson as a Heroic Figure

    In Milton's drama Samson Agonistes, the reader sees the biblical figure of Samson portrayed as a kind of martyr. Early in his life, although he was a great warrior, who fought not only his enemies but also those of God, he was also a promiscuous and arrogant person. At the end of his life, however, he was humiliated by the betrayal of a woman and, in an effort to get revenge on his oppressors, he commits an act of self-sacrifice that ends not only the lives of his enemies , but also to that of his life. own. Samson's heroic actions appealed to Milton because of their similarities to those of the Christian martyrs of Roman times. Samson not only suffered for his people, but he was also given a chance at redemption by God's grace, and through his final act of heroism, he sacrificed himself for the sake of his people. These correlations between Samson and the holy figures of Christianity are the most likely reason why Milton decided to depict Samson as a heroic figure in his work. Even though Samson had his faults in the beginning, in the end he recognized his mistakes and repented, thus proving that he is the hero that he is. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Early in the work, the reader is shown Samson giving a monologue in which he laments his mistake. In his speech, Samson questions his destiny to be the one to save his people: Why was my breeding ordained and prescribed...designed for great exploits if I should die betrayed, captive, both eyes gouged out? (1614 lines 30-33). Samson questions his gift, wondering why he was meant to be some kind of savior, and yet finds himself in a seemingly hopeless situation. Much of his unhappiness is focused on his loss of sight, because he believes that this is what makes his situation even more desperate (But above all, O loss of sight, it is of you that I complain the most more! Blind among enemies! O worse than chains... 1615 lines 64-66). Soon, Samson is visited by a group of citizens from his homeland, who already consider him a hero. They describe him as this heroic, this famous and irresistible Samson... who tears the lion as the lion tears the kid (1616, lines 125-128) and as unequaled in power, the glory of Israel (1617, lines 178 - 179). From these quotes, the reader sees Milton portraying the people of this era as being preoccupied with their personal power as an indicator of their heroism, similar to the preoccupation with strength and honor found in earlier British works such as Beowulf. It appears that Milton was influenced at least in part by these earlier works in the development of his character's ideals. Samson, however, disagrees with the accolades given by his friends. He claims that he has squandered his gift from God and does not deserve their praise: How can I ever look up and lift up my head, I who, like a foolish pilot, have been wrecked on my ship that had been entrusted to me from above...? (1617, lines 197-199). Samson goes on to say that he divulged God's secret gift to a deceitful woman (1618, lines 201-202), and asks if it is sung and spoken to a fool in every street... (1618, lines 201-202). 203-204). This quote is important not only because it shows that Samson became aware of his faults, but also because it shows that Milton, with his puritanical views, views all women as inherently deceptive. Samson continues his acts of penance when he receives a visit from his father, Manoa. He tells Samson that he has given way to Phillistian lords, with.