The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters is satire, but Screwtape himself does not generally approve of humor. What does this disconnect reveal about Lewis’s conception of God?

What does Screwtape mean when he calls humans “amphibious”? How does humanity’s dual nature compare to Screwtape’s own changeability (e.g., into a centipede)?

Screwtape describes the patient’s mother as being guilty of the sin of “gluttony of Delicacy.” Is his description of the mother’s behavior convincing? How does Lewis signal when readers need to “read through” Screwtape’s overt claims?

What advantages do the beginnings of World War II offer to the Devil’s side? What advantages accrue on God’s side?

According to Screwtape, what is the spiritual danger inherent in unselfish actions in a long marriage? Why does marriage itself figure so prominently in the work?

What arguments does Screwtape suggest for making the young man believe that prayers to God are ineffective? What does this suggest about the true “purpose” of prayer in Christian life?

How does Screwtape understand God’s vision of human freedom? What does this reveal about Screwtape?

How does Screwtape’s analysis of the weaknesses of a democratic society fit in with the rest of the work?