Synthesis Essay (Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis) Mr. Murphy 2017

Purpose: To assist the student in developing a critical view towards the types relationships we cultivate in our lives as well as the qualities found within those relationships.

What to look for: As the student reads the Screwtape Letters he or she should

1) identify the characters in Screwtape Letters,

2) the qualities and purpose of relationships each of the characters maintain, and

3) how those relationships were detrimental or beneficial for the Patient.

(A hint: the Patient is trying to be a good Christian and the goal of the Christian life is a relationship with God, with the ultimate goal of being with Him in Heaven).

Task: Based upon your reading of the Screwtape Letters and the information presented in your textbook regarding relationships, write a 5-paragraph essay discussing the relationships from one of two perspectives:

• The qualities that hinder a healthy relationship with God and others. These are the qualities which Wormwood and Screwtape encourage in the Patient

• The qualities that produce a successful relationship with God and others (successful meaning that it has helped each person in the relationship to grow in a positive and productive manner). These are the qualities about which Screwtape often complains

Create a thesis sentence and develop a train of thought that supports your thesis. The student must use three quotes from this book (with proper MLA-7th edition citations) that support the thesis.