Because Wormwood's patient has made two new friends who are "great laughers," Screwtape advises Wormwood on the causes of human laughter and the usefulness of each in leading the patient away from the Enemy.

According to Wormwood, the patient has expanded his friend group to include some who are "great laughers." Screwtape coaches Wormwood on categories of laughing, offering comments on how to use each to Wormwood's benefit.

Screwtape continues instructing Wormwood on how to use the patient's "troughs" to draw him away from Christianity, especially by using his desires against him.

Screwtape cautions his nephew against being too happy about the spiritual "trough" the patient is going through, reminding Wormwood that the Enemy makes use of the troughs.

After reminding Wormwood that he is not to let his patient become aware of Wormwood's existence, Screwtape deals with the issue of whether to encourage the patient to become a pacifist or a patriot.

Wormwood's patient finds out that he is eligible for military service, and Screwtape coaches Wormwood on the nuances of using fear to turn the patient away from the Enemy.

Wormwood is excited about the prospects of suffering provided by war, but Screwtape cautions him against immediate gratification and overconfidence.

Wormwood's patient is praying. Screwtape advises Wormwood on the tools available to him to misdirect the patient from actually engaging the enemy while praying.

By exploring the relationship between Wormwood's patient and the patient's mother, Screwtape offers advice on how Wormwood can use relationship annoyances to divide people and even sabotage their prayers.

Wormwood's patient has become a Christian. Screwtape advises his nephew of all the unique opportunities this affords Wormwood to turn his patient away from the Enemy.