In the book “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis, a young demon is mentored by his experienced uncle Screwtape. Wormwood, the student exchanges letters with his uncle about his “patient”, a newly converted Christian, about how to lead him astray from the
good life. The name “Wormwood” is not just a random name. In real life, Wormwood is a plant with drug like qualities, a perfect connection to his task. As a new recruit, he has no experience with his “job”. We see him make many novice mistakes out of ignorance and negligence. Screwtape notices and asks him “-no one ever told you about the law of Undulation?” (Lewis 37). These weak areas could result in him failing in his mission.
These same qualities could be seen in an apprentice working with a mentor in some sort of a trade field. They have no previous experience, which could result in a failure in the project. The older, more experienced foreman is able to teach and help through the
process, eventually creating someone who is able to succeed him when the time comes. In the story, Wormwood would be the apprentice, while Screwtape is the mentor. Screwtape is looking for the “best” outcome for Wormwoods task.
