Poetry · Chapter
Hell explained
The narrator dies and descends into what he initially believes to be a beautiful, pleasant afterlife, only to discover that the presence of a detested figure, John P.
What happens
The narrator dies and descends into what he initially believes to be a beautiful, pleasant afterlife, only to discover that the presence of a detested figure, John P. Irish, reveals the true nature of his eternal torment.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
The narrator is deceived by the pleasant appearance of Hell, only to realize the true torment lies in the company of John P. Irish.
Political Satire
The inclusion of John P. Irish, a contemporary political figure, satirizes the idea that personal animosities define one's afterlife.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator dies, descends for twenty centuries, and arrives in Hell, initially mistaking it for a glorified Earth.
- John Jackson
Mentioned as John P. Irish, whose presence in the pleasant landscape reveals it to be Hell.
Key passages
“Full twenty centuries I fell, And then alighted. “Here you dwell For aye,” a Voice cried—“this is Hell!””
After falling for two thousand years, the narrator lands and is told by a voice that he is in Hell forever.
Describes the narrator's descent and arrival in Hell.
““Ah, no, this is not Hell,” I cried; “The preachers ne’er so greatly lied, This is Earth’s spirit glorified! ... “Good souls do not in Hades dwell, And, look, there’s John P. Irish!” “Well,” The Voice said, “that’s what makes it Hell.””
The narrator initially thinks the pleasant landscape is a glorified Earth, but the voice explains that the presence of John P. Irish is what makes it Hell.
Reveals the satirical twist that Hell is defined by the company of a despised person.