The Screwtape Letters

Has anyone come across The Screwtape Letters, written by C.S.Lewis? This really intelligent and funny book 'reveals' a series of letters from the Devil's Undersecretary, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood, another devil-in-training on a lower rung of the ladder (or, should I say, 'further down the snake'?). The uncle is teaching the nephew how to accumulate as many souls for 'Our Father Below'. On a spiritual level, it explores the basic issues of morality. Of course, what really caught me was that it strikes a very creative literary note, a very thorough compilation of thoughts from 'the other side'. It is a really intelligent book, and a highly recommended read for eclectic readers.

Another reason why I like this book is that I can see direct parallels between Screwtape and Sir Humphrey Appleby of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister fame. They're both high up on the ladder. They're both devoted to their cause. (Additionally, Screwtape is also apparently devoted to his Master, which makes his job a little easier, but whatever.) The relationship between Screwtape and Wormwood somehow reminds one of Appleby and Woolley. In one case, they're trying to house-train the Minister, in another case, a mortal soul. Whoever be the subject (or, rather, the victim), the technique is similar. In both cases, there frequently arises the question of right and wrong, and in both cases, the main point is easily obfuscated.

So will Hacker win this time? Well, I'm still only half-way through it... can't read it for too long at a stretch, it's a slightly heavy read. Also, there's too much to do here at home, and too little time, so I don't read much. But, you may expect a fuller review soon... and the results of the push-pull game.