In blissful solitude; he then survey'd Hell and the Gulf between, and Satan there Coasting the wall of Heav'n on this side Night In the dun Air sublime
In "Paradise Lost," the protagonist reflects in solitude, contemplating the vast separation between Hell and Heaven. This moment highlights the somber nature of his situation, as he observes the contrasting realms and the struggle that exists between them. The notion of "coasting the wall of Heaven" suggests a boundary that Satan cannot cross, emphasizing his eternal torment and defeat.
The imagery of "the dun Air sublime" evokes a dark yet majestic atmosphere, symbolizing the complex emotions and themes at play in Milton's epic. The protagonist's survey portrays a deep introspection about good and evil, freedom and confinement, underscoring the epic's exploration of the human condition and the consequences of rebellion against divine authority.