The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an acclaimed Christian allegorical novel originally published in 1942. The novel follows the devil Screwtape as he advises his nephew Wormwood, a novice in the service of Hell, on how to successfully tempt a human – known only as “the Patient” – into the clutches of the Devil. Inspiring a film, live stage show, album and TV series, The Screwtape Letters has become part of pop culture and continues to influence generations of readers.

The Screwtape Letters follows the form of a collection of letters exchanged between Screwtape, an experienced devil and senior member of the Infernal Civil Service, and his nephew Wormwood, an inexperienced tempter whom Screwtape mentors from Hell. Through this correspondence, Screwtape explains to Wormwood in detail the tactics, strategies, and subtleties of temptation and sin, including ways to cleverly exploit the Patient’s weaknesses and capitalize on the best strategies for destroying their faith in God.

Lewis's portrayal of the craft and sleight of hand of Screwtape and his impiety against God is simultaneously humorous and sinister in its insight, examining human imperfections with an air of entertainment and wit. Drawing on metaphysics and philosophy, Lewis maintains a powerful realism while building a unique vision of life in hell, creating an ironic humor which is ever-present.

The novel raises questions concerning the nature of temptation: How can evil exist when God is omnipotent? How can humans be urged to sin and still be held accountable? Such questions help to set the stage for Lewis's broader exploration of the complexities of human nature, faith and freedom of choice, along with moral and spiritual warfare between good and evil.

At its heart, The Screwtape Letters is engaged in a battle of wits between the heavenly forces of good and evil, with the power of persuasion underlying the ongoing conversation. While the Patient is seen to fumble at times, Lewis's narrative, through the voice of Screwtape, emphasizes the importance of resisting the more subtle and nuanced aspects of temptation, depicting a struggle between a person’s will to resist and the power of temptation which threatens to consume them.

The Screwtape Letters, an allegorical and inspirational story, has become an important part of modern culture. Lewis emphasizes the danger of subtle, seemingly unimportant temptations, which can rob us of our purity and our freedom to choose God’s will. The timelessness of Lewis’s novel speaks to the agelessness of faith and sin: The Screwtape Letters is as relevant today as it was in 1942, and continues to reach those who are drawn to the unique voice and captivating subjects at the core of its message.