279. Sympathy For the Devil (In Literature)

Charming devils have a way with words, especially when penned by savvy satirists. In this week’s bonus, Amy explores some literary works that put an almost-friendly spin on the Prince of Darkness, including C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters (a worthwhile read in today’s fraught political climate) and a truly bizarre posthumous work by Mark Twain that his daughter once hoped would never see the light of day! Let the nature of his game puzzle you not — this clever rhetorical device lets Satan have his say. This bonus episode is available to paid subscribers or for individual purchase.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lost Ladies of Lit Episode No. 158 on Sylvia Townsend Warner

Lost Ladies of Lit Episode No. 210 on Mary MacLane

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Letters From the Earth by Mark Twain

“Paradise Lost” by John Milton

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

The Revolt of the Angels by Anatole France

The Gentleman by Forrest Leo