The narrative centers on the final hours of the blinded Hebrew hero Samson as he confronts his captors and his own internal spiritual crisis. Samson, once a mighty warrior, now languishes in captivity among the Philistines, grappling with the loss of his sight and his divine favor. He faces a series of visitors who test his resolve, forcing him to navigate the tension between his past glory and his current state of humiliation. The work follows a strict classical structure, utilizing a chorus to provide commentary on the protagonist's psychological state and the theological implications of his suffering.

Discussion often centers on the parallels between the author's own blindness and the protagonist's physical state. Readers frequently highlight the intellectual rigor of the dialogue and the stark, austere atmosphere that defines the play. Critics often debate the moral implications of Samson's final act of destruction, questioning whether it represents a triumph of faith or a descent into vengeance. The work is widely recognized for its mastery of form and its profound meditation on the nature of suffering and redemption.