The Screwtape Letters

About the Author

C. S. Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland

attended Oxford on an academic scholarship

served on the front lines during WWI

graduated with highest honors in 3 subject areas

despite Protestant upbringing considered himself an atheist

through influence of J.R.R. Tolkein & other friends accepted Christ

a Christian apologist - someone in the field of Christian theology who aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defending the faith against objections.

Important Works: Mere Christianity, Surprised by Joy, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters

epistolary novel - series of fictional letters

3 topics

1. mankind's inherent desire to stray from God

2. Satan's explotation of our sin nature

3. God's intent to call man to Himself

Characters

1. Screwtape - experienced demon

2. Wormwood - Screwtape's nephew; novice tempter

3. "the patient" - human soul being tempted by Wormwood

4. The Enemy - God

5. "Our Father Below" - Satan

in medias res - in the middle of the action