The Screwtape Letters - CS Lewis

About the Author - Famous for his seven Chronicles of Narnia the most well known 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' CS Lewis was born Clive Staples Lewis (nicknamed Jack) in 1898 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At the age of 10, he was sent to school in England following the death of his mother and later studied at Cherbourg School, Malvern. From here he won a scholarship to University College Oxford in 1916. A few months later he enlisted in the British Army and and was billeted at Keeble College Oxford for officer training. He was sent to the frontline in the Somme Valley, France on his 19th birthday. He was injured and recuperated back to duty, however his roomate 'Paddy' Moore was killed in battle and was buried just south of Peronne in France. 'Jack' was discharged in Decemmber 1918. His first publication 'Death in Battle' appeared in the February edition Reveille. He then resumed his studies at University College Oxfordwhere he received a First in Honour Moderations, (Greek and Latin Literature) and a First in Greats (Philosphy and Ancient History) and a First in English. Lewis became atheist in in 1929 and gace in the same yeara dmitting God was God. In 1931 he became a Christian and J R R Tolkien a Roman Catholic were amongst the firends who had been a significant influence during this time. He wrote prolifically on a Christian theme and in 1941 from May 2 until November 28 The Guardian published 31 'Screwtape Letters'

The Review

The Screwtape Letters comprise thirty-one letters written by Screwtape a senior demon to Wormwood his nephew who as a junior demon has been given the task of turning the ‘patient’ - the ‘patient’ is an ordinary man in war-time England - away from God ‘The Enemy’ and towards the Devil the ‘Father Below’.

Screwtape’s letters constantly encourage Wormwood to undermine the Patient’s faith as well as to tempt him into committing sins which will ultimately result in his damnation.

In what was quite a lively discussion the following key points came out: -

The book was probably more disliked than liked. Not everyone found it easy to complete the book and a few didn’t.

Some felt that the satirical style was too cynical and that generally it had preaching overtones which were not for them. Others enjoyed the humour and wit although most of us felt that the writing and language was dated. Maybe we didn’t understand the meaning of the words sufficiently as one of the group put it ‘It’s clever but I feel as though I have been to a banquet and have had endless food put in front of me most of which has gone to waste. It’s an uncomfortable feeling’.

A couple of members of the group picked up on the fact that the letters were written as a weekly instalment and were never really intended to be read continuously the way we read them. In fact a couple of the group without realising this dipped in and out of the book and read individual letters not necessarily in any order.

It did have some supporters. There was some good humour a couple of nice quotes were ‘Do not attempt to use (real) science as a defence against Christianity’. And ‘Jargon, not argument, is the best ally (in debate)’.

Those that finished the book were impressed with the toast. This was written in 1959 and is not a letter but rather an after dinner speech given by Screwtape at the Tempter’s Training College for young demons and neatly summarise the message contained in the letters.

The books tabled were:

Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones

The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski

After some deliberation and a vote under the new democratic process the next book is; -



The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski



Thanks to Steve and Deborah for hosting this meeting.