Final answer:
The patient in 'The Screwtape Letters' is an ordinary person, representing the struggles with temptation and morality that are common to humanity. Characters such as Screwtape wear 'masks,' hiding their malicious intentions behind feigned goodwill. The virtues of morality and purity of soul espoused by Socrates are central themes the narrative contemplates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient in The Screwtape Letters is indeed portrayed as an ordinary person. The narrative centers on the patient's spiritual journey and is a symbolic representation of any human being who struggles with moral dilemmas and the temptations of everyday life. Therefore, answering the student's question, 1) True, the patient is just an ordinary person.
Discussing characters wearing "masks" or veiling their identities, we can consider the demons themselves, especially Screwtape. These demons present themselves as well-meaning advisors, but their true intention is to lead the human patient away from a righteous path. Screwtape offers cunning and deceitful advice that seems convincing, which is an excellent example of a character veiling his true evil intentions under the guise of care and wisdom.
Touching upon the concept of harm to one's character, Socrates believed that moral corruption was worse than physical death because the soul's purity and virtue were the most crucial aspects of being. This suggests that any tarnishing of one's character through immoral acts was more detrimental than the end of physical life. Whether Socrates is mistaken or not depends on one's values; some might argue that one's moral integrity and the health of the soul are more important than physical existence, whereas others may prioritize physical well-being and safety.
Regarding whether the stories demonstrate elements of Realistic or Naturalistic fiction, both genres often examine the lives of ordinary people dealing with social issues or forces beyond their control. The Screwtape Letters, with its focus on the patient's everyday temptations and moral choices, can be seen as having elements of Realistic fiction.