How does Longfellow include elements of the story of Sampson in "The Warning"? He draws from the conflict between Sampson and the Philistines to highlight the pointlessness of seeking revenge. He uses unjust treatment of Sampson by the Philistines to draw attention to the plight of prisoners throughout history. He incorporates Sampson’s faults as a person into his poem to caution readers about the consequences of vanity. He bases the message of his poem on what readers can learn from Sampson’s uprising against the Philistines.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow incorporates elements of the biblical story of Samson (often spelled "Sampson" in older texts) in his poem "The Warning" by drawing parallels between the conflict of Samson and the Philistines, and the overarching themes of revenge, justice, and personal downfall. Longfellow uses the story of Samson to make broader points about human nature and the consequences of our actions.

1. **Highlighting the pointlessness of seeking revenge**: Longfellow may convey this by showing how Samson’s acts of vengeance against the Philistines, although initially satisfying, ultimately lead to his own ruin and do not bring about any lasting resolution or peace.

2. **Drawing attention to the plight of prisoners**: Longfellow could reference the suffering and imprisonment of Samson by the Philistines as a way to invoke sympathy for those unjustly imprisoned and to turn the readers' attention to the need for fair treatment and just systems of incarceration.

3. **Cautioning readers through Samson's faults**: By highlighting Samson's arrogance and vanity, which contributed to his downfall, Longfellow is warning readers of these human flaws and pushing them to see how such traits can exacerbate conflicts and lead to negative outcomes.

4. **Messaging from Samson’s uprising**: Longfellow might use the ultimate act of defiance by Samson against the Philistines, where he brings down the temple upon himself and his enemies, to reflect on the broader consequences of such rebellions, hinting at their destructive potential and questioning if the ends justify the means.

Extra: The story of Samson comes from the Book of Judges in the Bible. He was granted immense strength by God to combat his enemies, the Philistines, who were oppressing the Israelites. A noteworthy portion of Samson's story is his vulnerability associated with his hair, where his strength resided. His lover Delilah, who was coerced by the Philistines, discovered the secret and cut his hair, leading to his capture. This biblical tale isn't just an account of a hero's struggles; it's rich with themes about betrayal, the human will against subjugation, and divine justice.

For a school student, studying this allows for the exploration of literary allusions, which is the practice of referencing other texts, characters, or historical figures within a new work. Longfellow integrates Samson's story as an allusion to lend deeper meaning to his own poetry and to invoke the moral lessons that Samson's life imparts. This method of using allusions can be an influential tool in literature, as it allows the author to communicate complex ideas and themes efficiently while assuming a shared knowledge with the reader. By analyzing Longfellow's poem in this way, students can better appreciate how literature often draws from existing narratives to create new insights into human behaviour and societal issues.