The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a social satire on a contemporary person. The author doesn’t spare our feelings, pointing out all flaws, weaknesses, and aberrations that we have. In spite of the fact that some of the writer’s statements seem to be – at least a little bit – insulting for atheists, C. S. Lewis’ wonderful writing style is definitely worth giving a try. What is more, the correspondence of Screwtape and Wormwood is going to evoke a whirlwind of different emotions that varies between amusement, anger, and sadness. To read this book is like to look at oneself in the mirror and see every flaw and virtue.
C. S. Lewis dedicates a lot of Screwtape and Wormwood’s correspondence to a discussion of materialism. According to the writer, this belief is going to put an end to spiritual development of the whole mankind. He criticizes it by the means of humor, as if saying that we – mortals – are fools. Being a devout Christian, the author doesn’t only criticize a human but the church too. Mr. Lewis reminds us that we are not perfect. One can come across injustice, malice, and a sin even in the Church, but that shouldn’t change anything for believers, they have to do everything possible not to lose faith. C. S. Lewis despises materialism and suggests a road of spiritual development. What the author doesn’t know is that even materialists can possess the Christian virtues. It seems that he really believes that money is all these people care about.
Screwtape often mentions that “the Enemy” has “a curious fantasy of making all these disgusting little human vermin” into “His “free” lovers and servants.” The theme of freedom goes through the whole story. C. S. Lewis warns against following false – according to him – ideas and believes. All of that can lead to a tragedy, destruction, and loss of self-identity. To be a good Christian, thus a good person should be the main goal. However, it is really strange that the writer can’t assume that an atheist can be a worthy person.
The man is one of the main characters in this story. He is both important and unimportant. What we know for sure is that he is being played. Screwtape and Wormwood are cats and he is a mouse. They watch his every step to use his weaknesses for their own benefit. He evokes a feeling of pity, the whole situation is rather unfair for him and other people. This man is supposed to be a symbol of our own unworthiness. Modern culture says that a person is in the center whilst C. S. Lewis portrays us as little blind kittens who don’t know which way they are heading and where this path is going to take them.
No matter what one thinks about a religion, this work is yet another evidence of C. S. Lewis’ talent. It is up to us whether to read this satire for the author’s brilliant writing style or for a moral lesson.
