Class 10 English - A Letter to God

Author: G.L. Fuentes

1. Chapter Summary

Lencho was a hardworking farmer whose life depended on his cornfield. He was expecting a good harvest, but a sudden hailstorm destroyed his entire crop. Left with nothing but his faith, he decided to write a letter to God, asking for 100 pesos to sow his field again and support his family.

The Postmaster saw the letter and was moved by Lencho's unwavering faith. Not wanting to shake that faith, he collected money from his employees and friends. He could only gather 70 pesos. He put the money in an envelope and signed it as "God."

When Lencho found only 70 pesos, he was not surprised but angry. He believed God couldn't make a mistake. He wrote another letter asking for the remaining 30 pesos but requested God not to send it through the mail, as he called the post office employees a "bunch of crooks."

2. Character Sketch: Lencho

• Hardworking: Described as "an ox of a man."
• Deep Faith: His faith was singular and blind, to the point of writing a letter to an address he didn't know.
• Naivety: He couldn't imagine that humans (the post office staff) could be helpful; instead, he doubted them.

3. Theme of the Story

The story explores the conflict between humans and nature, and more importantly, the irony of human relationships. While Lencho had faith in God, he lacked faith in his fellow human beings who actually helped him.

4. Important Questions

1. Why did Lencho write a letter to God? (To ask for financial help after his crops were destroyed.)
2. What was the Postmaster's reaction? (Initially he laughed, but then became serious and decided to help.)
3. What is the irony at the end of the story? (Lencho calls the very people who helped him "crooks.")

Tip: Memorize the quote "faith can move mountains" for your long-form answers! ✉️🙏