Samson Agonistes

Rating:
Summary: Only due to the author's fame . . .
Review: In Medias Res, too much for its own good, along with a lack of character development and a lack of a tragic elements renders this a poor text for Milton and on the whole.

Rating:
Summary: Unjustly Neglected
Review: It's unfortunate that this book can be so hard to find in bookstores, because in some ways it's more worthwhile than 'Paradise Lost.'

The play is bitter and misogynistic, and lacking in dramatic qualities. But the poetry is first-rate. Samson's first speech ("Ask for this great Deliverer now, and find him / Eyeless in Caza at the Mill with slaves"; "O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon...") has been nicked by a number of great writers. It's denser and more vigorous than much of 'Paradise Lost.' And it's less than 1800 lines.

Rating:
Summary: Unjustly Neglected
Review: It's unfortunate that this book can be so hard to find in bookstores, because in some ways it's more worthwhile than 'Paradise Lost.'

The play is bitter and misogynistic, and lacking in dramatic qualities. But the poetry is first-rate. Samson's first speech ("Ask for this great Deliverer now, and find him / Eyeless in Caza at the Mill with slaves"; "O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon...") has been nicked by a number of great writers. It's denser and more vigorous than much of 'Paradise Lost.' And it's less than 1800 lines.

Rating:
Summary: Besides being well written, S.A. is thought-provoking
Review: Samson Agonistes is, in my opinion, one of John Milton's most outstanding works. The way in which the hero, Samson, wrestles with his thoughts gives insight into the mind of Milton, especially regarding his blindness. Milton's character Delilah is a wonderful picture of what NOT to act like. This book is thought-provoking, to say the least, as well as a picture of God's greatness and design. Wonderful writing as well!