The Patient’s Sexual Discipline

The Screwtape Letters

This flow follows the temptations surrounding chastity and the demons’ attempt to redirect desire into destructive romance.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Desire in a Low Period Desire in a Low Period from "The Screwtape Letters". Vulnerability of the Trough Weak Resistance The patient’s low emotional state can make sensual temptation more appealing as relief.

Desire in a Low Period from "The Screwtape Letters". Vulnerability of the Trough Weak Resistance The patient’s low emotional state can make sensual temptation more appealing as relief.

Vulnerability of the Trough Weak Resistance The patient’s low emotional state can make sensual temptation more appealing as relief. Screwtape considers this more promising than desire arising amid healthy energy and sociability. Distortion The demonic aim is not pleasure in its ordinary form but a craving detached from its natural limits. Desire becomes increasingly intense while satisfaction diminishes.

An Unsuccessful Assault An Unsuccessful Assault from "The Screwtape Letters". The Attack Breaks Changed Knowledge The patient discovers that sexual temptation does not last forever.

An Unsuccessful Assault from "The Screwtape Letters". The Attack Breaks Changed Knowledge The patient discovers that sexual temptation does not last forever.

The Attack Breaks Changed Knowledge The patient discovers that sexual temptation does not last forever. This experience undermines the belief that yielding is the only way to escape it. Strategic Loss Screwtape regrets that Wormwood continued too long. The failure deprives the tempter of an important weapon: the claim that resistance is hopeless.

Romantic Idealization Romantic Idealization from "The Screwtape Letters". Emotion as a Standard Cultural Script Screwtape describes a temptation to treat falling in love as the only respectable reason to marry and to expect that…

Romantic Idealization from "The Screwtape Letters". Emotion as a Standard Cultural Script Screwtape describes a temptation to treat falling in love as the only respectable reason to marry and to expect that…

Emotion as a Standard Cultural Script Screwtape describes a temptation to treat falling in love as the only respectable reason to marry and to expect that excitement to remain permanent. This makes commitment depend on feeling. Consequence The patient may dismiss fidelity and mutual support as inferior motives. The idealized account of romance can make ordinary responsibility appear loveless.

Love for a Christian Woman Love for a Christian Woman from "The Screwtape Letters". Desire Meets Character Attachment The patient falls in love with a Christian woman whose qualities disturb Screwtape.

Love for a Christian Woman from "The Screwtape Letters". Desire Meets Character Attachment The patient falls in love with a Christian woman whose qualities disturb Screwtape.

Desire Meets Character Attachment The patient falls in love with a Christian woman whose qualities disturb Screwtape. The attraction brings him into contact with a wider Christian life. Possibility Screwtape distinguishes desire that can coexist with reverence and marriage from desire organized around domination. The patient’s attraction is an occasion whose direction remains morally significant.

Desire Within a Wider Life Desire Within a Wider Life from "The Screwtape Letters". Temptation Reframed Restraint Direct attacks on chastity have failed, and the patient’s love is no longer simply a sexual hazard.

Desire Within a Wider Life from "The Screwtape Letters". Temptation Reframed Restraint Direct attacks on chastity have failed, and the patient’s love is no longer simply a sexual hazard.

Temptation Reframed Restraint Direct attacks on chastity have failed, and the patient’s love is no longer simply a sexual hazard. The relationship exists within duties, faith, and concern for others. Outcome The letters leave marriage unresolved, but show desire losing its power to define the patient’s whole spiritual course. His final fate is not governed by sexual failure.

During the patient’s spiritual dryness

After the patient resists a period of sexual temptation

As the patient’s interest turns toward marriage

After the patient meets his future lover

By the patient’s final wartime period