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"Remember that you are here to deceive him" : The Theme of Temptation in Lewis' Screwtape's Letters

Publication |
2021

Abstract

The article deals with the question of temptation in C. S.

Lewis's famous book The Screwtape Letters. After the short description of its genre, it proceeds to analyse the basic temptation strategies of a senior demon Screwtape, which are included in his advice to his nephew Wormwood.

As the article shows, the principal goal is to lead the Patient as far from reality as possible. In order to support this, Screwtape suggests tempting the young convert to live in a world of the abstract rather than the concrete and surrounding himself by people who would be a part of his inner ring or support his desire to belong to such a ring.

In this way, the man loses his direct contact with reality and is more open for the tempter's subtle manipulation and deception.