Question

Gaping means “wide open.” Why is this word so effective in conveying Edwards’s purpose to his audience?

Answer 1

Answer:

Indeed gaping means wide open, but words can sometimes have different meanings depending on the context.

For instance, in this case, the word gaping was used in the sentence that, "the devil is waiting for them, hell is gaping for them, the flames gather and flash about them".

This meant that the word gaping was used for certain living things. It was like a connotation that hell was living and alive. Like a creature.

This word helps to bring about an impact for the imagery the audience witnesses when they hear about hell. That hell will eat up people if they don't do what Edward says.