Overview Of C. S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters

In C.S. Lewis’ acclaimed “masterpiece,” The Screwtape Letters, an uncle and the devil’s worker by the name of Screwtape wrote an abundant amount of letters to his nephew, Wormwood. Both Screwtape and Wormwood are “tempters” who are trying to lead Wormwood’s “patient” into their “father’s home,” also known as hell. The Screwtape Letters, greatly told during a crucial time in Europe, portrays the main characters as imperfect, conflicting uncle and nephew, who’s biggest conflicting issue are themselves.

The Screwtape Letters, written in the perspective of Screwtape, helped depict the three main characters’, Screwtape, Wormwood and “The Patient” personalities and actions throughout the story. Screwtape, being the uncle, devil’s worker and role

For instance, Screwtape wrote, “build up between you in that house a good settled habit of mutual annoyance; daily pinpricks… the following methods are useful” (Lewis 11). This example was one of many Screwtape’s ways on advising and teaching Wormwood on how to properly do something. Screwtape simply wrote out the ways and what end goal Wormwood should be reaching in order to properly carry out the devil’s orders. Lewis portrayed Screwtape to be this very self-assured uncle, to show that he was once in Wormwood’s shoes and has learned through his trial and error. Especially near the end of the letters, Screwtape wrote, “I have always desired you, as you (pitiful fool) desired me. The difference is that I am stronger” (Lewis 171). Lewis gave a clear notion that Screwtape was a vital role model for

As “the patient” continues his journey choosing whether to be faithful or not, Wormwood, being the amateur “tempter” he is, fails to give clear direction to “the patient.” “[Temporary success] has gone to your head…” (Lewis 21). A tempter’s, such as Wormwood, biggest task is to continue keeping their patient straying away from Christianity their whole lives. However, Wormwood, getting caught up in mini success along the way, let it get to him and becomes his own stumbling block. Not just Wormwood, but as “the patient” lives life, he sees himself going through this, “undulation in every department of his life—his interest in his work, his affection for his friends, his physical appetites, all go up and down,” as Screwtape calls it (Lewis 37). “The Patient’s” greatest struggle is being consistent with his life and the way he wants it to