Screwtape appears as a fictional demon in the book ''

The Screwtape Letters ''The Screwtape Letters'' is a Christian apologetic novel by C. S. Lewis and dedicated to J. R. R. Tolkien. It is written in a satirical, epistolary style and while it is fictional in format, the plot and characters are used to address Chris ...

'' (1942) and in its sequel short story ''Screwtape Proposes a Toast'' (1959), both written by the Christian author

C. S. Lewis Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963) was a British writer and Anglican lay theologian. He held academic positions in English literature at both Oxford University (Magdalen College, 1925–1954) and Cambridge Univers ...

. ''Screwtape'' is also the title of the stage adaptation of the ''Letters'' by James Forsyth (originally ''Dear Wormwood'', 1961). Screwtape holds the rank of Senior

Tempter Temptation is a desire to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment that threatens long-term goals.Webb, J.R. (Sep 2014). Incorporating Spirituality into Psychology of temptation: Conceptualization, measurement, and clinical implications. Sp ...

and serves as the Undersecretary of his department in what Lewis envisages as a sort of infernal Civil Service. ''The Screwtape Letters'' represent his side of the correspondence with his nephew Wormwood, as

mentor Mentorship is the influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor. A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person. In an organizational setting, a mentor influences the personal and p ...

to the young demon who is charged with the guidance of one man. He has a secretary called Toadpipe. The ''Toast'' is Screwtape's after-dinner speech at the Tempters' Training College and satirises American and British or English public education. Screwtape appears to understand very well the nature of human minds and human weaknesses, although nothing about human love. He also has a way with words and a fondness for

sarcasm Sarcasm is the caustic use of words, often in a humorous way, to mock someone or something. Sarcasm may employ ambivalence, although it is not necessarily ironic. Most noticeable in spoken word, sarcasm is mainly distinguished by the inflection ...

External links

* C. S. Lewis characters Characters in fantasy literature Fictional demons and devils Literary characters introduced in 1942 {{novel-char-stub