Samson Agonistes Fate and Free Will Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line number)

Quote #1

SAMSON: O wherefore was my birth from Heaven foretold twice by an angel, who at last in sight of both my parents all in flames ascended...? (23-25)

First big hint that Samson isn't just your ordinary kid. If we were Samson's parents, we might start considering hiring an exorcist.

Quote #2

SAMSON: Why was my breeding order'd and prescrib'd as of a person separate to God, design'd for great exploits; if I must dye Betray'd, Captiv'd, and both my eyes out...?

By "separate" Samson just means "special," and it's not a bad question. Being blinded and imprisoned certainly does seem like a strange fate for God's number one guy.

Quote #3

SAMSON: I sought to wed the daughter of an infidel: [my parents] knew not that what I motion'd was of God (220-223)

Samson's special destiny with God can be tricky if he's the only one who knows it's going on. We're not exactly saying that Samson reminds us of the guy standing on the corner with the tinfoil hat and the placard, but it's pretty close.