69 pages • 2 hours read •
The Screwtape Letters
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
209
Novel • Fiction
•
Christian•
FantasyEngland • 1940s
•
Marriage•
Religion & Spirituality1942
HarperCollins e-books
Adult
16+ years
1170
Super Short Summary
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an epistolary novel consisting of letters from the senior devil Screwtape to his nephew, Wormwood, a novice tempter, detailing strategies to lead a human away from virtue towards vice. The story outlines the young man's spiritual journey, his conversion to Christianity, relationships, and experiences, with the backdrop of World War II, emphasizing the devils' manipulation of human thoughts and emotions.
Mysterious
Informative
Contemplative
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
481,929 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters offers a witty, satirical exploration of human nature and morality through demon Screwtape's advice to his nephew. Readers praise its imaginative narrative and profound insights but note its repetitive format. Some critique its religious focus as limiting broader appeal. A thought-provoking, albeit niche, read.
Who Should Read The Screwtape Letters?
A reader who enjoys philosophical and theological reflections mixed with wit and satire would find The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis compelling. Fans of Lewis's Mere Christianity or Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy will appreciate its exploration of human nature and morality through a unique narrative lens.
481,929 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Wormwood
Wormwood
A novice demon assigned to tempt a young man, who relies on advice from his uncle Screwtape in his attempts to corrupt the soul he has been tasked with.
The Patient
The Patient
An ordinary young man under Wormwood’s temptation, whose choices and behavior are observed and discussed through Screwtape's letters.
The Patient’s Beloved
The Patient’s Beloved
The Christian woman loved by the young man, depicted as coming from a balanced Christian family without extreme religious views.
The Patient’s Mother
The Patient’s Mother
An older woman described by Screwtape as having a particular picky nature, which the devil hopes will influence her son negatively.
The Screwtape Letters is dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, a close friend and fellow member of the literary group known as the Inklings.
C. S. Lewis composed The Screwtape Letters during World War II, which influenced its themes and the depiction of spiritual warfare and moral struggles.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
The book was originally published in serialized form in the British newspaper The Guardian before being released as a full-length book in 1942.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
209
Novel • Fiction
•
Christian•
FantasyEngland • 1940s
•
Marriage•
Religion & Spirituality1942
HarperCollins e-books
Adult
16+ years
1170
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 9,250+ additional titles.