Samson Agonistes Story Structure and Shape

By JustinDB
  • 1124 BCE

    Samson is Captured by the Philistines - Exposition

    Samson is Captured by the Philistines - Exposition
    Who: Samson
    What: he has been captured by the Philistines, blinded by them and forced to push a stone wheel that powers a grain wheel. He has fallen from greatness. He is no longer the epic hero from Biblical tradition, but rather a tragic hero.
    Where: Gaza
    Why: To stop him from destroying the Philistine nation.
    How: They cut his hair.
  • 1124 BCE

    Manoa Visits Samson on the Feast of Dagon - Rising Action

    Manoa Visits Samson on the Feast of Dagon - Rising Action
    Who: Samson and Manoa
    What: His father has come to visit Samson in order to pay his ransom and free him. Samson, however, does not want to be saved. He feels that he deserves this punishment for betraying God. This is the first temptation: comfort. Samson refuses it, so he is now on the path toward redemption.
    Where: Gaza
    Why: Because he loves his son dearly, and he does not want to see him suffer in enslavement until his death.
    How: He has been talking with Philistine officials.
  • 1124 BCE

    Samson is Visited by Harapha - Rising Action

    Samson is Visited by Harapha - Rising Action
    Who: Samson and Harapha
    What: Harapha is a big shot Philistine warrior. He has come to gloat and brag over Samson's fall. He is sad that he will never get to fight Samson in his prime. Samson then challenges him to a duel. Harapha declines, obviously afraid of Samson.
    Where: Gaza
    Why: Samson is blind, and yet he feels confident that he will win this duel with God's help. He feels God's presence.
    How: Samson aims to fight him in a dark alley, but Harapha declines and runs away.
  • 1124 BCE

    Samson is Visited by Dalila - Rising Action

    Samson is Visited by Dalila - Rising Action
    Who: Samson and Dalila
    What: Dalila visits Samson in order to make fun of him and seduce him. She wants to use him in fulfill her sexual desires and move him farther from God. Desire is what made Samson fall initially, so by resisting her, he is closer to his redemption.
    Where: Gaza
    Why: She is bored. After selling out Samson, she was given more money and status than she knows what to do with. She views Samson as a plaything.
    How: Dalila kept pestering Samson until he told her his secret.
  • 1124 BCE

    Samson is Brought to the Arena - Climax

    Who: Samson
    What: He is forced to act as a form of entertainment for the Philistines. He uses his strength as if he were a circus performer.
    Where: The arena.
    Why: They want to belittle and embarrass him, as he represents God. By doing this, they exalt Dagon.
    How: They threaten him with death and torture if he refuses.
  • 1124 BCE

    Samson Knocks Down the Pillars - Climax

    Samson Knocks Down the Pillars - Climax
    Who: Samson
    What: He feels God's presence, and immediately he knows what he must do. He places both arms on adjacent pullars, and he tears them down, killing himself and many Philistines in the process. He has freed the Israelites, his divine mission.
    Where: The arena
    Why: It was God's will.
    How: With his strength and God's guidance.
  • 1124 BCE

    Manoa Buries His Son - Falling Action & Resolution

    Who: Manoa
    What: He tells the Israelites not to cry, but rather celebrate the gift of freedom given to them by Samson. He buries his son, and he plans to retell this story as many times as it is needed in order to help his son transcend into myth.
    Where: Gaza
    Why: Samson did not die in order to see his people suffer and cry, but rather to see them rejoice and use that freedom.
    How: They will build up their own nation once more.