Screwtape Letters Analysis

In C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, Lewis describes the lessons Wormwood, a junior tempter, is taught by Screwtape, an experienced tempter. The novel itself is a collection of the letters Screwtape writes to his nephew about how to most effectively tempt an average British man. The story follows Wormwood in his attempts to secure this patient into eternal damnation. In each letter, Screwtape explains to Wormwood how he can bring the patient further from God by influencing his current life choices. By showing the trials of the average man and explaining the ways that the tempters secure humans, Lewis encourages readers to follow God, who wants people to understand the world around them, act upon their thoughts, and love others as unconditionally as he loves them.
Over the course of several chapters, Lewis reveals that God attracts followers by helping them understand

Like encouraging the religious people to rely only on faith, the devil encourages humans to “feel” rather than act. When humans only feel they often trick themselves into believing they are doing something while they actually are not. For example, if they see a homeless person they may feel bad for them, but not stop to give them any help. The people who have these feelings tend to believe they are doing their part as a good person. They believe that the thoughts alone are equal to action. Screwtape suggests Wormwood should strive to make his patient “feel without acting” because “the more he feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel” (Lewis 14). The suggestion shows how action is something of God and intention is something of the devil. God desires for humans to see the homeless person on the sidewalk and help them get food, shelter, and clothing so that they can sleep comfortably in the night knowing they helped someone in