Samson Agonestes

Questions Answers

Q1- What qualities of Samson did the poet describe in his poem Samson Agonists?

Ans. According to John Milton Samson was a determined hero. He was not afraid of his enemies and he also did those feasts of Strength which he was asked to do. As he was blind but he could do all those tasks which could be done without eyes like breaking, pulling, drawing and to heave something. All these he could do with his stupendous force and might.

Q2- Why Samson’s guide took him between the two massy pillars?

Ans. Samson guide took him between the two massive pillars because Samson was a strong and extraordinary hero. He was a mighty person and was taken captive by his enemies. Often his enemies enjoyed the tricks and the day all the philistines people were assembled to celebrate their religious ceremony so they wanted Samson to make them happy by performing strange tricks by using his immense strength. Samson was also brought in the same building where the people were assembled and which was supported only by two massy pillars.

Q3. How does Samson take revenge on his enemies?

Ans. John Milton’s ‘Samson Agonists’ presents the Old Testament story of Samson in the form of a Greek tragedy. Samson, who had been taken captive and later blinded, was brought to display the incredible feat of his power in the annual religious festival of the Philistines. He was asked to do things that required strength, not sight. The huge gathering included all and sundry: the nobility, the army commanders, the religious leaders, the counselors, and all the commoners from every part of the city. Samson’s performance rendered everyone astonished as well as delighted. After the strenuous feat, Samson requested his guide to let him rest for a while with his both hands on the two massive pillars that provided the main support to the roof. Samson told the Lords that he wanted to show his final performance which would be still greater and would leave them all dazzled. Samson started to exert all his force and energy onto those two pillars. He shook them as if the force of flood and storm, confined in his body, had come to his assistance. Finally, he pulled down the pillars that supported the temple, crushing himself along with his deadly enemy.

“Those who die for others live forever”

Q4- How Samson addressed the people?

Ans. When Samson was brought before the crowd in chains he addressed the gathering. He said to them that he obeyed them till then but now he was going to perform a feast of strength on his own accord. With saying this he strained his nerves and tugged the massive pillars, which supported the whole roof. He shook the whole building with the convulsion to and fro till the whole building came down and all the people sitting there, were killed in whom Samson was also in mixed.