Samson and Delialah Response Paper 1

Samson and Delilah

The story of Samson and Delilah, as relayed in the Bible, has
always been a powerful and compelling story. In so much as it
deals with power, lust, strength and redemption speaks a great
deal to the human spirit as well as to the spiritual and moral
corruption found in the pleasures of the flesh. As to the nature
of the tale and how it should be viewed, there are a number of
interpretations. Clearly, the grace and forgiveness of God are
probably the most salient aspects of the tale. However, given
the intentions of the reader, there are any number of themes
that could be isolated. However, some are more defensible
than others. For while it is true that Samsons strength, for
instance, is very much like a super hero, and thus could be
highlighted, there are other aspects of the story that lend
themselves to a thin interpretation. In particular, if one were
to focus on, say, some love affair between Samson and the, as
the Bible describes her, harlot Delilah, then this would be
adding a great deal to the story that is simply absent. And yet,
one of the more popular themes is the one that is the least
present; namely that of this love between to the two. One
particular depiction of this is seen in the film Samson and
Delilah, the 1949 production from Cecil B. DeMille. One scene
in particular captures the main interpretative theme of this,
which is during Samsons captivity by the Philistines. Here in
this paper, there will be an exploration of DeMilles
interpretation of this relationship and how this reflects his,
perhaps not personal view but that which is expressed in the
film, his vision of the story of Samson and Delilah.
Traditionally, the story of Samson and Delilah, which
comes directly from the Old Testament in the Bible, is the story
of a powerful warrior from the Hebrew nation that stands

against the occupying army of the Philistines, that seek to

enslave the Hebrew people. As a child, Samson is viewed as
special. For God tells his parents that he will be a mighty
champion for the Hebrew people. The only condition is that he
can not drink any wine or alcohol and his hair must never be
cut. In essence, he takes a Nazirite vow, as to set him apart
from all the other Hebrews as someone special. This special
pact that is made between God and Samson is held throughout
his youth.
The first signs of his strength are demonstrated when
after receiving a wife from among the Philistines, in an attempt
to garner peace between the two peoples, there is a fight. For
the family of the girl that Samson has chosen resents the fact
that he is Hebrew. As a result, they seek to attack him and
take the girl back. But in the fight his strength is revealed and
he manages to kill many Philistines. However, the girl is still
taken. And so, Samsons mission is clear, to be a warrior for
God as to fight against the Philistines. And with his unnatural
strength he is able to battle, single-handedly, hundreds of
Philistines at a time.
However, seeing him as a threat the Philistines
recognize the significant threat and so devise a plan to capture
him. They take into their confidence a harlot named Delilah,
with whom Samson is smitten. And so Delilah agrees to help
the Philistines capture him. Unfortunate for the warrior of God,
Samson is taken into custody by the Philistines, beaten, his
eyes gouged out and his hair cut. His strength, which is in the
length of his hair, leaves him and he is rendered helpless and at
the mercy of his enemies. However, while in prison, his hair
grows back and so too his strength; while his captors are
oblivious to this. They take him to their temple as to display
their prize to the Philistine people and in honor of their god
Dagon. However, Samson, as a last feat, tears down the
temple killing more in his death than he ever had in his life.

The story seems to be clear and concise, as a warning

against disobeying God and avoiding the lusts of the flesh.
However, movie producer Cecil B. DeMille felt differently. He
saw in the story a tale of love between Samson and Delilah
that is not conspicuously, or arguably even mentioned, in the
Biblical account. The movie itself, while detailing much of what
is relayed in the Bible, in many respects is accurate as to the
original tale. For, the events of his life are presented.
However, one event in particular seemed to suggest that there
was more than mere lust in the heart of Samson. For, the
scene where Samson is in prison, blind and seemingly helpless,
is visited by Delilah, an event that is not recorded in the Bible.
Furthermore, she explains that the two can run away together
and they must go immediately before the prison guards come
to take him to his doom. However, he explains that, I was
blind before and now I can see (Samson and Delilah).
Ultimately, DeMilles interpretation of the story suggests that
Samson has not merely lusted after the attractive harlot, but
has fallen in love with her.
The love is suggested in other scenes where the two
are together in her tent. They talk and share moments with
one another. And of course he shares more than he should as
to the nature of his strength. However, as to
Delilahs true feelings, no one can really be certain. Most, after
reading the Biblical account, simply assume that Delilah was
merely using Samson as to do the bidding of the Philistines and
receive some recompense for her deed. However, in DeMilles
film, there is a sense that she is conflicted. Indeed, the idea
that she is feeling threatened by Philistine aggression suggests
that she is in fear for her life, and not merely seeking material
gain. In fact, her genuine feelings for Samson is reinforced by
the fact she is visiting him in prison. This act demonstrates she
is willing to risk her life. In one part of the scene, she willingly
puts herself in harms way by touching Samson and is in
genuine danger when Samson picks her up and aims her body

at the ground, ready to break her physically. It is at this point

she screams out, Samson, your chains! They are broken! You
have your strength back (Samson and Delilah)! There is an
almost Romeo and Juliet theme of unrequited, or impossible
love that endures in spite of specific social and political
situations. And so, DeMilles interpretation of the Biblical story
of Samson and his relationship with Delilah is one of true love,
and not mere Hebrew heroism, holy redemption, or even Gods
grace imparted to Samson.
In conclusion, the movie Samson and Delilah, as a
retelling of the story in the Bible, is one of true love and not
one of Gods redemption and grace in virtue of His people. This
is not to say that these themes are not present in the film.
Indeed, they are impossible to avoid. And while DeMille is
clearly conscious of these aspects of the Biblical message of
repentance and holiness, his view that the love of two people
can survive even in the midst of inevitable and fatalistic events
is established. Specifically in the scene of Samsons
imprisonment where his beloved comes to express her love and
hope for a life together, although Samson makes it clear his
commitment to his God and his people, there is a brief and
subtle, but nonetheless undeniable, demonstration of Samsons
true love for Delilah. And so, DeMilles interpretation of the
story of Samson and Delilah, whether supported by tradition or
scripture, is one of enduring and eternal love in spite of
circumstance and outcome.

Synopsis: Margaret, the daughter of a mature marriage of Perugia Italian,

knows Palo Manzini, with whom he married while still very young. Paolo is a
violent bully by Margarita who feels such a deep love that is capable of
changing the character of her husband and forget quarrels and fights the
inhabitants of the region. His twin sons are received as a blessing of God
to a marriage that begins to live happily. But do not forget Paolo enemies
and one day kill the outskirts of town. Rita, aware that their own children
will avenge the death of Polo, sooner or later, asks God to both find death
before becoming murderers. His prayer is fulfilled and the twins die of a
strange disease soon after. Rita wanted to be a religious girl from
closing. Now that you have no family, she decides to enter a convent, but
find many obstacles to being a widow. With God's help, he manages to be
religious and become Holy.
The image of Vittoria Belvedere and his acting is beautiful pledge for the ambiguous beauty
of Roman-Catholic saints.
A beautiful beyond words or miracles. A physical beauty, in many cases but, in essence,
chain of nuances, from sweet face in tension of Blessed Elisabeth of the Trinity to severe
resignation of Saint Theresia Benedikta of the Cross, from huge calm glance of Saint
Gemma Galgani to mildness of Mother Teresa, from bread-face of Saint Therese of the Child
Jesus and Holy Face to the eyes of Blessed Maria Restituta Kafka beyond the execution.
Like any religious work, it is story about relation with God. Like every Italian religious film, it
is story about personal relation with life who, grace of subtle signs, is base of God's love.
And when the central character is a saint with a strong fame in Italy, Latin America,an
incorruptible saint and spiritual mother of many families, witness of wonderful miracles and
victim of hard times,ideal wife,mother and nun, it is enough for ignore the artistic value of
movie in favor of his spiritual message.

FOR CENTURIES Santa Rita de Casia HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR IN THE HOLY
CATHOLIC CHURCH. She is known as "The Holy OF THE IMPOSSIBLE" for its stunning answers to
prayer, but also by the remarkable events of his own life.
SANTA RITA wanted to be a nun, BUT obey their parents, married. Her husband caused much suffering,
but she returned his cruelty PRAYER AND KINDNESS. Over time the he BECAME, coming to be
regarded and feared God. BUT SANTA RITA endured great pain when her husband was killed.
SANTA RITA later found his two sons were thinking of avenging the murder of the father. She was afraid
to put their wishes into effect according to the malicious HABIT OF REVENGE. With heroic love for their

souls, she begged God to take them of this life before allowing commit this great sin. LONG TIME NO
LATER DIED AFTER BOTH PREPARE TO MEET WITH GOD.
WITHOUT her husband and children, SANTA RITA surrendered to prayer, penance and charity. After a
while she applied for admission to the Augustinian convent at Cascia. SHE WAS NOT ACCEPTED, BUT
AFTER THREE SPECIAL pray to patron saints - SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, St. Augustine and St. Nicholas of
Tolentine - MIRACULOUSLY entered the convent and was allowed to stay. THIS happened around 1411.
In the convent, LIFE OF SANTA RITA was marked by his charity and severe penances. YOUR PRAYERS
FOR OTHER OBTAINED, REMARKABLE CURES, RELEASE THE DEMON and other special favors
from God for her to share in the pain of his crown of thorns, OUR LORD GAVE SANTA RITA WOUND OF
THORN IN HIS FACE. It was very painful and expelling an unpleasant smell, but she CONSIDARABA A
DIVINE GRACE. She prayed "Oh dear Jesus, increase my patience in my sufferings as they
grow." WOUND LASTED FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
SANTA RITA MAY DIED A 22, 1457 AT THE AGE OF 76 YEARS. PEOPLE rushed to the convent TO PAY
their last respects. Countless miracles took place through his intercession, and devotion to her spread far
and wide. SANTA RITA'S BODY WAS PERFECT PRESERVED for centuries, and sometimes gave a
SWEET FRAGRANCE. IN the beatification ceremony, the body of the SANTA ROSE and opened his
eyes.
GOD HAS HEARD THE PRAYERS OF SANTA RITA OTHER countless times, and certainly she will
happily INTECEDER AGAIN ON BEHALF OF THOSE WE PRAY A SHE NOW - FOR TRUTH continue to
receive his great name.