A Diagram of Milton's Universe

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Images helpful for grasping the physical structure of Milton's universe:
Hell: II, 570-628
Chaos: II, 890-967
The Created Universe: II, 1034-1053; III, 418-735: V, 171-208; VII, 205-547
Heaven: III, 56-79; V, 563-587; Book VI
Causeway from Hell to Earth: X, 272-324
Eden and Paradise: IV, 208-87
Rival Astronomical Theories: VIII, 15-168
Scale of Nature and Forms of Life: V, 469-490; VII 387-547

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Contents 1 Milton's Cosmos 1.1 Hell 1.2 Chaos 1.3 World 1.4 Heaven

Milton's Cosmos

Hell

Located at the bottom of the cosmos. Also a psychological state. Enclosed by a vault, like a dungeon, with gates where Sin and Death keep watch.

Chaos

Chaos is bounded by heaven above and hell below. It is a "wild abyss" (2.917) where there are warring atoms with no order. Utter confusion which is personified in the "nonruler" figure, the anarch Chaos. Sin and Death help Satan in his "project" by building a "bridge of wondrous length / From hell" to the world (2.1028-9).

World

Located between Chaos and Heaven. Created when God scooped a hollow out of Chaos, thereby creating order from chaos. Also known as the universe. The world hung from heaven by a "golden chain" (2.1005). A staircase or ladder leads to an opening in heaven's outer shell.

Heaven

The abode of God and the angels. The empyrean--a realm of pure good and light where there is perfect order and perfect happiness.