Abstract This paper explores the story of Sampson and Delilah, a tale presented in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. When examined apart from the Bible, the story of Sampson and Delilah can be seen as a depiction of the powerful differences that exist between the genders, as well as the characterization of women.
Abstract A deep character analysis of Samson which explores the mutual relationship between lust, love and self-control. It properly observes ascending order of importance; placing emphasis on self-destruction. Examines Samson character in a historical and biblical context.
From the Paper "A strong yet very weak man, Samson displays a physical greatness and a lack of self-control. Samson's awesome physical strength is powered by God, while his self-control can only be powered by himself. His lack of self-control allows him to be led by lust and motivated by hopes of power and revenge. Samson demonstrates how self-absorption can lead to the downfall and demise of a person, a marriage, a country, and a covenant with God."
Analyzes this Biblical character as a hero and tragic figure, his character and virtue, sexuality, literary interpretations and his relationship with Delilah compared to "Romeo & Juliet".
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 8 sources, 1999, $ 95.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the Biblical hero Samson as a tragic figure. The plan of the research will be to set forth the narrative and cultural context for considering Samson in terms of tragedy and then to discuss the manner in which the establishment of Samson's heroic identity and of the interplay between that identity and the Samson-Delilah love story in the biblical narrative contributes to the view that Samson is best interpreted as a tragic figure. In this regard, comparisons will be made between the biblical narrative in Judges 13-16 and other stories of heroes and great loves in the Bible and other sources.
The fact that Samson is intended as a character of heroic proportions is established in the first part of Judges (13:5), when the angel explains to Manoah's wife that she will bear a son who ..."
Abstract The paper discusses seven similar aspects of, and events in the lives of Samson and Jesus based on the Biblical texts that tell their stories. The paper mentions similarities such as-- their births were both announced to their mothers by Angels, both were betrayed, Samson by his wife Delilah and Jesus by the Apostles and both died with arms outstretched. It also points out the differences between the two men, such as: Samson had a weakness whereas Jesus had none, Samson was a mere mortal while Jesus was both man and God at the same time.
From the Paper "Samson was thrice strongly entreated by Delilah to reveal the secret of his awesome strength, but he yielded to her wiles the fourth time. Jesus Christ, on the other hand, was also tempted three times and powerfully by the devil himself in different manners, but did not yield, because He had no weakness. Samson acknowledged that his fall brought much dishonor to God and scandal to Israel. But Christ's death and resurrection fulfilled God's plan for mankind, brought infinite honor to God His Father and salvation to those who would choose to be redeemed in Jesus Christ. Samson also acknowledged the pride, vanity and pettiness with which he used the privilege God gave him."
Abstract This paper explains that, for John Milton, divorce is essential for men because it will give them freedom to seek better opportunities in life than being in a marriage with women they do not love or who do not love them back. The author points out that Milton posits that women are the "catalysts" towards the fall of men. The paper relates that Milton's premise, relying on divorce to liberate men from women, is illustrated in "Samson Agonistes", wherein Samson expresses his hatred of women in general, primarily due to Dalila's (Delilah) treacherous act against Samson, cutting off his hair, which gives him strength.
From the Paper "A similar argument is presented in The Doctrine, where once again, Milton expresses his prejudice against women, particularly among wives, whom he describes as "sanctify'd by the husband; that is, made pure and lawfull to his use" (Chapter VIII). Women subjugation is one of the texts main points, mainly because the author sees men as more morally correct than women; therefore, one of the objectives of marital union is to make women useful and morally acceptable, not only for men, but for society as well. These texts set out to prove one thing, in general: for Milton, women is a sector that must be controlled by men, because to do otherwise would mean creating conflict and imbalance in power in the society, for women are known to possess the power, or "inward gift" of "Sex"."
Tags: patriarchal, samson, cutting, catalyst, fall
Abstract Common mythology holds that classic modern seductresses-Mae West, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe-have used their sexuality to claim the men of their choice and keep them fascinated for life. Historical seductresses can claim even more power in the bedroom: Cleopatra, Delilah and Catherine the Great, to name just a few. Other temptresses, including such modern sirens as World War I's Mata Hari, are credited with changing the course of history in the bedroom. The paper looks at the history of several of these temptresses through the ages and concludes that the power of any seductress might be short-lived and marginal at best. The women focused on in the paper are Catherine the Great, Mata Hari and Marilyn Monroe.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Queen of Temptresses
The Wages of Sin, 20th Century Style
Modern Sirens
Works Cited
From the Paper "Mata Hari displayed amazing naivete for a temptress; in fact, Schirmann thinks that far from using her talents to protect herself, she squandered her gifts, having once said that she would rather sleep with a poor military officer than a rich banker (Lichfield 2001, database online). A true seductress would have preferred the rich banker who could protect her as well as amuse her, in the way Catherine the Great slept with those who could help maintain her in power."
