What is Samson Agonistes, and when was it published?

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Engraved portrait of John Milton by Jacob Houbraken, showing Milton with shoulder-length hair, a lace collar, and period clothing, facing forward in an oval frame. — John Milton John Milton, engraving by Jacob Houbraken, 1741.

Samson Agonistes is a tragedy written by the English poet John Milton. It is widely regarded as the finest English drama modeled after the Greek tradition and is classified as a closet drama, meaning it is intended primarily for reading rather than stage performance.1

The work depicts the final chapter of the biblical figure Samson, as recounted in the Book of Judges. Drawing parallels to his own blindness, Milton portrays Samson as a captive of the Philistines who overcomes despair to regain his strength and destroy the temple of the god Dagon.1

Samson Agonistes was published in 1671 within the same volume as Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Regained.1