John Milton

Samson Agonistes (Version 2)

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1

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2026-06-18

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Samson Agonistes is a dramatic poem by John Milton based on the Old Testament story of Samson. It was first published in 1671 alongside Paradise Regained. The poem depicts Samson in the final day of his life, blinded ("eyeless in Gaza") and in captivity. He muses on his miserable condition and is then visited by friends from the tribe of Dan, by his father Manoa, his wife Delila and the giant Harapha. Finally he is ordered by the Philistines to publicly demonstrate his strength which leads to the dramatic end to his story and his life ("all passion spent"). At the time Milton wrote this work he had himself lost his sight and also witnessed the collapse of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth, which he strongly supported. It is probable that these events influenced the thoughts that he puts into the mind of Samson. (Summary by Alan Mapstone) Cast list: Samson: Larry Wilson Manoa, father of Samson: Beeswaxcandle Delila, his wife: WendyKatzHiller Harapha of Gath: Greg Giordano Public Officer: David Purdy Messenger: Claudia Caldi Chorus of Danites: Sonia Chorus of Danites: Inkell Chorus of Danites: Greg Giordano Chorus of Danites: Elsie Selwyn Chorus of Danites: Valroth Chorus of Danites: Alan Mapstone