Linguistic Analysis of the Portrayal of Heaven and Hell in Richard Matheson’s Novel “What Dreams May Come”

In modern linguistics, the analysis of the diversity of languages, cultures, and ideas in two or more languages and works is the most effective type of linguistic study. Analyzing linguistic concepts is a somewhat complex process. This article aims to identify the differences and similarities between the linguistic concepts of Hell and Paradise across different languages, religions, and cultures. The goal is to thoroughly analyze each concept and clarify their meanings and differences in the novel “What Dreams May Come” by Richard Matheson. There are different opinions about the concept of heaven and hell, including their location, appearance, and forms. Writers, scientists, philosophers, and religious scholars have different opinions, and their views are reflected in their works. The differences in their opinions may be due to their professions as well as their religious beliefs. The research employed various methods, each emphasizing the accuracy and validity of the intended results. The comparison of explanations involved two main components: component analysis and text analysis. The semantic and lexical analysis of these components is presented in tabular form. The results of the research clearly show the differences in the images depicted in the material works. Specifically, one work portrays the sky separately, with layers representing both the sky and hell. This illustrates how people are situated in each layer. In the US, heaven is symbolized by beauty, grace, and mercy, while hell is symbolized by suffering, various torments, punishing creatures, and fire. The analysis concludes that component analysis and text analysis help explain abnormality in literary works and compare abnormal concepts in different languages. It uncovers devices and concepts related to supernatural settings and makes these complex concepts easily accessible.