What is Heaven without Hell? in Paradise Lost by John Milton

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Recommended: Critical analysis of paradise lost

Paradise Lost by John Milton thrives off the implicit and explicit aspects of Hell offered by the narrator and the physical and psychological descriptions offered by various characters. Their separate perspectives coincide to expose the intentions of Milton and the purpose Hell serves in this epic poem. Each character adds a new element to the physical and psychological development of this alternative world. The narrator and Satan provide the greatest insight into the dynamics of this underworld by attempting to redress the issues of accommodation.
The similarities and differences between Heaven and Hell give meaning to Hell physical and emotional presence. As the audience analyzes the physical descriptions of Hell given in Book I and Book II, similarities between Heaven and Hell begin to surface. In total, Satan‘s council consists of twelve of his closest fallen angel comrades. These twelve fallen angels mimic Christ’s twelve apostles. Satan builds a castle entitled “Pandemonium” in Hell using the same architect that assembled God’s palace in Heaven. Within each exquisite shelter, a council is called; however, their discussions and debates vary greatly. Their viewpoints are differentiated in the physical description of each world. Hell’s most dominant feature is its perpetual darkness; whereas, Heaven constantly revolves around the presence of luminous light. This light ceases to shine on Satan and his fallen angels, making each appear defaced and foul. The inhabitants of Heaven live within this glorious light, beautiful and pure. These reverse parallels increase the impending doom of Hell. Without knowing the blessings of Heaven, the characters and the audience cannot fully understand the callous curses of Hell. ...

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...luding Satan’s ability to shape shift into a serpent. The serpent is pronounced as “more crafty than any beast of the field.” In Hebrew, “arum” translates to “crafty.” Phonically, “arum” is similar to another Hebrew word “arumim,” which means “naked.” Adam and Eve innocently roam naked in Paradise because they do not know shame; however, the Serpent becomes crafty in deception as Satan’s inhabits its body and instills ill thoughts in the mind of Eve. This second account of the evil that Satan harbors and breeds provides justification of Milton’s own narration.
Milton initially describes Hell as a physical place. However, as the plot progresses, Milton begins to insinuate that Hell only thrives within Satan’s mind. Throughout the epic poem, Milton unveils the concept of Hell using the perspectives of Satan and the narrator while defying the issue of accommodation.

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