As I read further through Paradise Lost, I am still haunted by the descriptions of Hell and Satan's "cheribum."Milton's use of contrast in his physical descriptions makes a place like Hell somehow more terrifying. The image of flames producing "no light; bur rather darkness visible" provides a truly nightmarish impression of Satan's dwelling (Milton 921). Not only is Hell an evil place, but completely antagonistic to heaven and earth. The idea of conflict, thus, forms the foundation of a backwards world aptly called "Chaos."
The contrast of Heaven and Hell also emphasizes the vengeance of Satan's purpose. The words Satan himself associates with Heaven--"delight, "Eternal Justice"--bare starkly against the depths of Hell. Additionally, Satan's statement, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav'n" is sheds terrifying light on the ruthlessness of his endeavor (924). That he feels no remorse or regret for his situation or consequences leaves the reader hesitant to discover what he has in store next.
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