Impossible Demands

"As a result we are more and more directing the desires of men
to something which does not exist [. . .]" (92).
C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters (1942)

Points for Reflection

The Screwtape Letters (1942), chps. 18-31

1. Screwtape makes broad claims about the enduring consequences of sexual activity.  Do modern values and culture concur?
2. in his preface, Lewis reminds his readers that the devil is a liar, and that not everything Screwtape says should be considered true even from his own perspective (4).  Do you agree with Screwtape that falling in love is, intrinsically, neither good or bad?
3. how have demons manipulated humanity’s sexual standards and desires?
4. are the clock and watch useful tools of destruction in demons’ hands?
5. why does Screwtape so detest both music and silence?
6. in what ways can historical research obscure instead of revealing truth?
7. how can intellect become a double-edged weapon prone to cut its own user?
8. how might the desire for new experiences, sensations, and philosophies undermine morality?
9. however could unselfishness become self-centered?
10. what previously stated ideas in the book does chp. 27 elaborate?
11. what strategies does Screwtape recommend for weakening the target’s reliance on prayer?
12. which do these demons prefer mixing with fear in humans, hatred or cowardice?
13. which do demons work to stoke in humans, fatigue or absolute exhaustion?
14. do you agree with the suggestion that total exhaustion has a disparate effect on the genders?
15. does this target/subject gain clarity as he dies?
    

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Dr. Paul Marchbanks
pmarchba@calpoly.edu