The Green caldron - University Library

May, 1962 11
THE
The Screwtape Letters
Steven Depp
Rhetoric 101, Theme 10
SCREWTAPE LETTERS BY C. S. LEWIS IS A SOMEwhat
humorous account of the attempt of two devils to lead a man to
damnation. The humor in the book stems largely from the point of
view, which is that of the devils. This unique point of view causes the
concepts of sin and virtue to be completely reversed. Therefore, any quality
which would lead a person in a heavenly direction is considered "'bad," and
vice, corruption, and sin become "good." The specialized terminology used
by the devils is another source of humor ; God is referred to as *'the Enemy"
and the supreme devil is known as "Our Father" below.
Written as a series of letters from a senior devil named Screwtape to
his nephew Wormwood, The Screwtape Letters unfolds its plot in a very
indirect manner. All of the action, description, and characterization is accom-
plished through the letters. Therefore each event mentioned takes on the
character of "old news." Spontaneity and immediacy have a great deal to
do with capturing the interest of a reader, and because they are lacking,
Lewis's epistolary approach fails somewhat in maintaining interest.
A humorous aspect of Lewis's style is the tone of Screwtapes' letters.
They are written in the very specialized jargon of governmental departments
and with the formality of all official correspondence. In addition, although
Screwtape is writing to his own nephew, he shows the same contempt for
subordinates that earthly officials have in flaunting their petty importance.
In one passage, Screwtape becomes quite worried that a careless remark
he made might reach his superiors, showing the humility which minor
officials can also have when their position is threatened.
Occasionally Screwtapes' point of view breaks down and Lewis's true
thoughts become evident. In several different paragraphs, the explanations
of the "Enemy's" objectives are too close to the Christian viewpoint and
sound distinctly "undevilish." It is hardly conceivable, for instance, that
a devil could speak with apparent understanding about "a new kind of selflove
—a charity and gratitude for all selves" or explain the fact that God
wishes each "to be able to recognize all creatures as glorious and excellent
things."
One of the most humorous facets of The Screwtape Letters is the impres-
sion of hell it presents. Hell is modernized to resemble an efficient, highly