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Samson Agonistes

By: John Milton
Narrated by: David de Keyser, Philip Madoc, Matthew Morgan, Samantha Bond, Michael Maloney
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Summary

Samson Agonistes, the 'dramatic poem' by John Milton, was published in 1671, three years before the poet's death. Written in the form of a Greek tragedy, with the Chorus commenting on the action, it follows the biblical story of the blind Samson as he wreaks his revenge on the Philistines who have imprisoned him. A powerful subject, with a personal resonance for the blind Milton, it is a perfect work for the medium of audiobook, where poetry and drama can be balanced equally.

This production, adapted for BBC Radio 3, broadcast in 2008 and directed by John Tydeman, features Iain Glen in the title role, with Samantha Bond as Dalila, Philip Madoc as Harapha and Michael Maloney as the Messenger.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2014 Naxos AudioBooks

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Mighty!

Samson, blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines. Betrayed by his wife, Delilah, who revealed to his enemies the source of his superhuman strength.
The bitterness is of course Milton’s own loss of sight. And the ranting unforgiveness of Delilah? A lashing out, surely, for Milton chooses to bring her, contrite, into Samson’s presence, and the encounter is dramatic.
A dramatic poem, of much darkness - and light - as when his father describes his readiness to sacrifice all for Samson’s freedom, and lovingly paints the picture of his son, once again peacefully at home.
Without a fitting subject, of course, Milton’s language would not soar as it does; and, for me, it is the poetry which is the triumph, and reason enough to read this mighty work.

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