Preview
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Reconstruct Screwtape's ninth letter in sequence, then identify the single vulnerability all its tactics exploit. How can you tell the war over the man's interpretation of his trough, not the sensual temptation it opens, is the letter's true center?
Discussion Questions
- Screwtape claims the trough provides 'excellent opportunity for all sensual temptations' because resistance is lowest when the inner world is 'drab and cold and empty.' Is the trough's danger best understood as a weakening of the man's will, or as the removal of the rival goods that ordinarily crowd out temptation — and which does Lewis stress? Use Screwtape's words to Wormwood to defend your reading.
- Screwtape concedes 'He made the pleasures: all our research so far has not enabled us to produce one,' admitting the devils can only misuse the Enemy's goods. Does this letter portray evil as a creative rival to the good or as something wholly derivative — and why does the distinction matter for how seriously we should fear it? Use details from the letter to Wormwood to defend your verdict.
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Critical Thinking
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