Description of Hell

Milton uses extremely strong imagery in his description of hell. What immediately jumps out is his use of imagery we can imagine as well as imagery we cannot conceive. This is most evident when he says “As one great furnace flamed, yet from those flames no light, but rather darkness visible” (I. 62-63). Milton uses something we all can think of with the great flaming furnace but strains our minds when describing flames that give off darkness and no light. Milton’s choice of words is also important in his description of hell. Words such as dismal, darkness, woe, sorrow, prison, torture and horrible are littered throughout his description. This word choice helps drive home the point of the excruciating pain and conditions of hell. The words give the reader a dreadful feeling while reading about it. The word choice also helps evoke certain feeling when initially reading about hell that will stay with the reader throughout the book and perhaps stay with the reader whenever he/she thinks of hell. Milton also uses comparison to create his version of hell. Knowing that typical depiction of heaven he makes it very clear that hell is the “anti heaven” when he says “As far removed from God and light of heaven” (I. 73). With that line Milton makes sure that heaven and hell are seen as polar opposites. It is also important to note that in Milton’s description of heaven from lines 56-75 it is only one sentence. This sentence ends with an exclamation point, which makes the feelings, and thoughts read about hell that much greater and horrible than they were described as. Milton uses various techniques to portray his fiery and dismal hell.