The Screwtape Letters

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1942

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface-Chapters 4

Chapters 5-7

Chapters 8-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-17

Chapters 18-21

Chapters 22-25

Chapters 26-28

Chapters 29-31

Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Vocabulary

Essay Topics

Quiz

Tools

Discussion Questions

Chapters 8-9Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 8 Summary

Screwtape articulates his theory on human existence as “undulation—the repeated return to a level from which they repeatedly fall back, a series of troughs and peaks” (37). Screwtape sees the paradox in how humans will often come closer to God in a “state of dryness.”

Chapter 9 Summary

Screwtape goes further with the subject of “troughs” in human life. He suggests that these periods offer opportunities for all sensual temptations, particularly those of sex” (43).

Chapter 8-9 Analysis

Screwtape waxes philosophical on human nature and human life. Screwtape has a kind of wisdom about the human condition, although his point of view is distorted by his goal of tempting souls to damnation.

Screwtape does understand that human beings can love God and yet go through periods where God feels distant and prayer and religious practices seem ineffective and pointless.

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Related Titles

By C. S. Lewis