Question

"the devil is waiting for them, hell is gaping for them, the flames gather and flash about them"

Gaping means"wide open". why is this word so effective in conveying Edwards's purpose to his audience?

Answer 1

Gaping is related to living things, which makes hell seem like a living creature to the audience.

The word gaping helps build the image of hell as a mouth that will swallow the audience up if they don’t do as Edward says.

The connotation of gaping makes the image more frightening and persuasive.

Answer 2

The definition of gaping is wide open in a general term, but in a more extensive way it refers to the action of BECOMING open,so it is related to the process or action of opening it is also known as the event of opening our mouths when we are surprised, all this is helping him convey his purpose by showing hell as something that is both opening for them in a welcoming and looking forward way, at the same time as it could represent the fauces of hell devouring your soul.