How we cite our quotes: (Line number)
Quote #1
SAMSON: This day a solemn feast the people hold to Dagon thir Sea-Idol, and forbid laborious works, unwillingly this rest their superstition yields me (12-15)
Even though Samson is relieved to have a rest, he makes it very clear that he distinguishes himself completely from their "superstitious" religion. Sure, he'll take a break if they make him—but he's not going to like it.
Quote #2
SAMSON: Promise was that I should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver (38-39)
Samson's divine promise is also connected to a military war between Israel and Philistine, a war that is itself about the different religious beliefs of each. But how much is this really about religious belief, and how much is it actually just about, oh, land? or power? or money?
Quote #3
CHORUS: Just are the ways of God, and justifiable to men; unless there be who think not God at all, if any be, they walk obscure; for of such doctrine never was there school (294-298)
A false religion is bad, but people who have no religion at all are just the worst. Don't show Milton this poll.
Quote #4
MANOA: So Dagon shall be magnifi'd, and God, besides whom is no God, compar'd with idols, disglorifi'd, blasphem'd.... (440-442)
In the political conflict between Hebrews vs. Philistines, there seems to be an even bigger religious conflict between God vs. Dagon.
Quote #5
SAMSON: Father, I do acknowledge and confess that I this honor, I this pomp have brought to Dagon (449-450)
Not only is Samson responsible for the oppression of his people, but he also feels responsible for bringing honor to this false god, Dagon. This is totally like feeding the trolls.
Quote #6
SAMSON: [God], be sure, will not connive or linger thus provok'd, but will arise and his great name assert: Dagon must stoop (465-468)
Can't all these Gods just get along? (Nope). What's a little funny here is that Samson never denies that Dagon exists, exactly, but that his God is stronger. (This is actually a big point of debate—whether the early Israelites believed that there was only one God, or whether they thought that other gods existed. And it was probably the latter.)
Quote #7
DALILA: And the priest was... ever at my ear, preaching how meritorious with the gods it would be to ensnare an irreligious dishonorer of Dagon (857-861)
Samson isn't the only one who feels pressured by his religious belief. And this raises the question: how do we know that Dalila is wrong and Samson right? Does Samson Agonistes actually prove that either religion is truer?
Quote #8
SAMSON: I to be the power of Israel's God avow, and challenge Dagon to the test, offering to combat thee [Harapha] his Champion bold (1150-1152).
We're really getting the feeling that contests of strength are actually about a lot more then just who's stronger. Like maybe they're pitting two entire civilizations and belief structures against each other.
Quote #9
SAMSON: Thou knowst I am an Ebrew, therefore tell [your lords], our law forbids at their religious rites my presence (1319-1321).
Just because Samson is a prisoner doesn't mean he's about to violate religious law. He takes this stuff very seriously. In fact, we're thinking that he might be better off if he lightened up a little.
Quote #10
MANOA: Some [Philistine lords] much averse I found and wondrous harsh, contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite; that part most reverenc'd Dagon and his priests (1461-1464)
Manoa is making a connection between being devout to a false religion and being a bad person. So it's not just enough to be religious: you have to be the right kind of religious. Hm. It's not looking too good for Dalila.