A critic argues that in John Milton’s “Samson Agonistes,” the shearing of Samson’s locks is symbolic of his castration at the hands of Delilah. What kind of critical approach is this critic using ?

Related Mcqs:

1. In “Samson Agonistes,” Samson’s father, Manoa, is trying to get Samson freed from imprisonment mainly so he can help Samson to____________?

   A. get revenge on his enemies
   B. re-instated as a Judge
   C. retire
   D. convert

2. A critic examining John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” focuses on the physical description of the Garden of Eden, on the symbols of hands, seed, and flower, and on the characters of Adam, Eve, Satan, and God. He pays special attention to the epic similes and metaphors and the point of view from which the tale is being told. He looks for meaning in the text itself, and does not refer to any biography of Milton. He is most likely a critic ?

   A. Reader Response
   B. Feminist
   C. Mimetic
   D. Formalist

3. John Milton’s “Samson Agonistes” is best described by which of the following genres ?

   A. Pastoral elegy
   B. Prose polemic
   C. Blank verse tragedy
   D. Masque

4. Near the end of “Samson Agonistes,” Samson has decided not to perform for attendants at a certain event when (starting with line 1381) he suddenly reverses positions and agrees to go. Why does he do this ?

   A. He experiences some “rousing motions” which might be from God.
   B. Manoa convinces him to do it or the Philistines will execute Samson.
   C. The Chorus demands he stay in his prison cell and Samson reacts against them.
   D. He wishes to see Dalila one last time in the crowd.

5. In “Samson Agonistes,” the Chorus describes the approaching Dalila as beautifully and lavishly dressed to better seduce Samson. This is interesting because ?

   A. the Chorus has just stated it hates this kind of lavish, external beauty.
   B. Samson hates this kind of lavish, external beauty.
   C. Dalila usually dresses in a more understated Puritan manner.
   D. Samson is blind.

6. In “Samson Agonistes,” the character who tells others of Samson’s death is_____________?

   A. Manoa.
   B. Dalila.
   C. the Chorus.
   D. a Messenger.

7. Near the end of “Samson Agonistes,” Samson resists performing before attendants of what type of event ?

   A. Greek Olympic Games
   B. A Roman Circus
   C. A Gladiator competition
   D. A and B

8. In “Samson Agonistes,” Samson predicts “This day will be remarkable in my life / By some great act, or of my days the last”. This is interesting because___________?

   A. both statements end up happening that day.
   B. both statements end up not happening that day.
   C. Samson is echoing the older prediction of the prophet Enoch.
   D. both statements will later be fulfilled by Christ.

9. In his introduction, Milton described the genre of “Samson Agonistes” as_____________?

   A. history play
   B. tragedy
   C. comedy
   D. Morality Play

10. What is the meaning of Milton’s work Samson Agonistes ?

    A. Theist
    B. Atheist
    C. Antagonist
    D. Wrestler