Questions about Hell

From the Convocation I attended on Monday -- quesitons raised by Heather Murray Elkins for thoughful consideration regarding the nature of Hell:

1. What is the divine role in hell? Did God create it?
2. Is death the deadline?  Or can God reach beyond death?
3. Is hell a permanent state?
4. Do those in hell stay there forever, or do they eventually crumble and fall apart? (my words, I can't remember hers, exactly)
5. Is the suffering only psycospiritual or also physical?