The Screwtape Letters

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1942

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.

Download PDF

Access Full Guide

Chapters 8-9Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 8 Summary

Screwtape articulates his theory on human existence as “undulation—the repeated return to a level from which they repeatedly fall back, a series of troughs and peaks” (37). Screwtape sees the paradox in how humans will often come closer to God in a “state of dryness.”

Chapter 9 Summary

Screwtape goes further with the subject of “troughs” in human life. He suggests that these periods offer opportunities for all sensual temptations, particularly those of sex” (43).

Chapter 8-9 Analysis

Screwtape waxes philosophical on human nature and human life. Screwtape has a kind of wisdom about the human condition, although his point of view is distorted by his goal of tempting souls to damnation.

Screwtape does understand that human beings can love God and yet go through periods where God feels distant and prayer and religious practices seem ineffective and pointless.