"... The multitude of Angels, with a shout
Loud as from numbers without number, sweet
As from blest voices, uttering joy, Heaven rung
With jubilee, and loud Hosannas filled
The eternal regions...
Of charming symphony they introduce
Their sacred song, and waken raptures high;
No voice exempt, no voice but well could join
Melodious part, such concord is in Heaven"
(Book 3, 344-350, 367-371).
Introduction
There is not as much description or action in Heaven as there are of the other places in Paradise Lost, but that does not take away from its importance. Heaven is a reflection of God’s character and that is what can be taken away from the scene.
Biblical References
Before “Paradise Lost”, Heaven was usually more classical in description as in the Renaissance epics. But Milton reflects the Bible in his description. Milton did not have as much freedom in his depiction of Heaven as in the other places, because he represented God and the Bible (Knott 62-63).
The Bible talks about Heaven in descriptions of crystal and jewels. In the Bible, there is always singing and rejoicing in Heaven. Milton uses these concepts, but puts his own ideas into them.
Revelation 4:6
"Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal..."
Milton says:
"And crystal wall of Heaven" (Book 6, 860).
Revelation 22:1
"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceddeing from the throne of God and of the Lamb"
Milton says:
"And where the river of bliss through midst of Heaven
Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream;" (Book 3, 358-360).
Revelation 4:10
"...elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne..."
Milton says:
"The multitude of Angels with a shout...
Towards either Throne they bow, and to the ground
With solemn adoration down they cast
Thir Crowns inwove with Amarant and Gold" (Book 3, 345...351)
Revelation 21:18
"The construction of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass"
Milton says:
"Pavement like a Sea of Jasper shon" (Book 3, 363).
Historical Comparison
A very famous description of heaven is in Dante’s “Divine Comedy” (click on link for full text). Dante discusses his Paradiso differently than Milton shows Heaven. Dante uses bold images and schematic design, but Milton depicts Heaven through scenes and hints of scenes (Knott 63).
They both describe the Holy River in Heaven.
Dante says:
"Such was the flowing of the holy river
That issued from the fount whence springs all truth;
This put to rest my wishes one and all" (Canto 4).
Milton says:
"And flowers aloft shading the fount of life,
And where the river of bliss through midst of Heaven
Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream;" (Book 3, 358-360).
Dante describes Heaven as a place of peace and full of light
"O thou well-born, unto whom Grace concedes
To see the thrones of the eternal triumph,
Or ever yet the warfare be abandoned
With light that through the whole of heaven is spread
Kindled are we, and hence if thou desirest
To know of us, at thine own pleasure sate thee." (Canto 5)
Milton describes Heaven through actions and activities that are going on in Heaven:
"That day, as other solemn days, they spent
In song and dance about the sacred hill;
Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere
Of planets, and of fixed, in all her wheels
Resembles nearest, mazes intricate,
Eccentrick, intervolved, yet regular
Then most, when most irregular they seem;
And in their motions harmony divine
So smooths her charming tones,
that God's own ear
Listens delighted (book 5, 619-626)."
"With Angels food, and rubied nectar flows
In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold,
Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heaven.
On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets crowned,
They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet
Quaff immortality and joy, secure
Of surfeit, where full measure only bounds
Excess, before the all-bounteous
King, who showered With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy (Book 5, 633-643)."
Throughout the centuries, there have been many descriptions and texts written on Heaven. But none can compare to that of Milton and Dante's Heaven. Though different in many descriptions, they both show an atmosphere that is fit for God and his angels.
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Heaven Editor: Cari Gibson
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