The Screwtape Letters

Screwtape is a dedicated devil. He is committed to enticing as many souls as possible to sin, damnation, and Hell. As the novel progresses, and especially in the epilogue, the reader sees that Screwtape’s desires are quite literal for him. He eats the dead who are damned and enjoys the tastiness of their sins.

Screwtape is an experienced observer of human nature and behavior. He understands how human beings are attracted to virtue or vice and has strategies to tempt his “patients” to choose the latter.

Screwtape is quite cynical about human nature. He believes strongly that human beings are all ripe for temptation in all aspects of life. Screwtape is particularly articulate on the subjects of pride— “I am better than my neighbors”—and the subject of lust—“I will engage in for bidden pleasures and call it love.”   

Screwtape is also a keen observer of the “Enemy”: God and His followers. Screwtape often writes in philosophical ways about the spiritual conflict between Heaven and Hell. Screwtape is perplexed by the paradox of God’s granting mankind free will and still expecting most humans to be good and virtuous and loving.