In Milton's play, Samson Agonistes, the reader is shown the biblical figure of Samson portrayed as a sort of martyr. Early in his life, although he was a great warrior, who fought not only against his enemies but against those of God, he was also a promiscuous and arrogant person. At the end of his life, however, he has been humiliated by a woman's betrayal and, in an attempt to take revenge on his oppressors, he commits an act of self-sacrifice that ends not only the lives of his enemies but also his own life. Own. Samson's heroic actions attracted Milton because of their similarities to those of Christian martyrs of the Roman era. Samson not only suffered for his people, but he was also given the chance for redemption through the grace of God, and through his final act of heroism, he sacrificed himself for the betterment of his people. These correlations between Samson and the saintly figures of Christianity are the most likely reason why Milton decided to portray Samson as a heroic figure in his work. Although Samson had his faults in the beginning, he eventually recognized his mistakes and repented, proving himself to be the hero he is. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay At the beginning of 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 who saves his people: Why was my breeding ordained and prescribed... designed for great deeds if I should die betrayed, captive, with both eyes dead? (1614 lines 30-33). Samson questions his gift, wondering why he was destined to be some sort of savior, but finds himself in a seemingly hopeless situation. Much of his grief is concentrated in the loss of his sight, for he believes that is what makes his situation even more hopeless (But above all, O loss of sight, of thee do I lament most! Blind among enemies! Or worse than chains. .. 1615 lines 64-66). Soon Samson is visited by a group of citizens of his homeland, who already consider Samson a hero. They describe him as That heroic, that famous, irresistible Samson... who rends the lion as the lion rends the kid (1616, lines 125-128) and as unequaled in power, the departed glory of Israel (1617, lines 178- 179). From these quotes, the reader sees that Milton portrayed the people of this time as being concerned with their own personal strength as an indicator of his heroism, similar to the concern with strength and honor found in earlier British works such as Beowulf. It appears that Milton was influenced at least in part by these early works in developing his character's ideals. Samson, however, does not agree with the accolades given by his friends. He claims to have squandered God's gift and does not deserve their praise: How could I once look up and raise my head, I who, like a foolish pilot, wrecked my ship entrusted to me from above... .? (1617, lines 197-199). Samson goes on to say that [he] divulged God's secret gift to a deceiving woman (1618, lines 201-202), and asks if he is sung and proverbed like a fool in every street... (1618, lines 203-204) . This quote is important not only because it shows that Samson has realized his flaws, but also because it shows that Milton, with his Puritan views, sees all women as inherently deceitful. Samson continues his penitent acts when he is visited by his father, Manoah. He tells Samson that he has made way for some Philistine lords, with whom to treat of [Samson's] ransom (1624, lines 481-483), to which Samson replies: Spare that proposal, father....