The postmaster sends money to Lencho in order to keep
Lencho’s faith in God alive and firm as he was completely moved by it.
When postmaster reads the letter of Lencho to God, he becomes serious and does not want to shake his faith and decides to answer the letter. He gathers money with the help of his post office employees and friends on behalf of God and signs the letter ‘God’ so that Lencho’s faith does not get shaken.
A Letter to God – Comprehensive Web Content
This is an expanded study resource for A Letter to God by G.L. Fuentes (First Flight). Use this alongside the chapter notes for complete board exam preparation.
Detailed Summary
Lencho, a poor farmer, depends on rain for his corn harvest. A hailstorm destroys everything. With unshakeable faith in God, he writes a letter asking for 100 pesos. The postmaster collects 70 pesos from employees and sends it as "God." Lencho, finding only 70 pesos, writes again asking God not to send money through the post office because the employees are "a bunch of crooks."
Theme Analysis
Unshakeable Faith
Lencho’s faith in God is so absolute he writes a letter expecting divine reply. This faith is admirable yet blind — it prevents him from seeing human kindness.
Dramatic Irony
The reader knows the money came from the post office employees. Lencho blames his benefactors, creating devastating irony.
Gratitude and Ingratitude
The helpers receive no thanks; instead they are called thieves. Good deeds often go unrecognised.
Character Study
Hardworking, faithful, trusting of God, suspicious of humans, ironically ungrateful
Kind, generous, empathetic — organises the collection to preserve Lencho’s faith
Cooperative and generous; their kindness is met with accusations
Literary Devices & Techniques
- Dramatic Irony: Lencho calls helpers "crooks"
- Simile: Hailstones like "new silver coins"
- Hyperbole: "Not a leaf remained on the trees"
- Personification: "The earth needed a downpour"
Board Exam Questions with Model Answers
Q: Why did Lencho write to God? (2 marks)
Model Answer: Lencho’s entire crop was destroyed by a hailstorm. He had such deep faith in God that he believed God would send money to help him re-sow his field. He wrote asking for 100 pesos.
Q: Explain the irony at the end of the story. (3 marks)
Model Answer: The post office employees generously collected 70 pesos to help Lencho. But Lencho, finding less than 100, concluded that the employees stole the remaining 30 pesos. The very people who helped him are called "crooks." This is dramatic irony — the helpers are blamed.
Q: What impression do you form of the postmaster? (5 marks)
Model Answer: The postmaster is kind, generous, and good-humoured. Moved by Lencho’s faith, he collects money from colleagues and his own salary. He signs as "God" to preserve Lencho’s belief. His goodness goes unrecognised, making him a poignant character who represents selfless generosity.
Key Vocabulary
Refer to the chapter notes and teacher aid for a complete vocabulary list. Focus on understanding words in context rather than memorising definitions in isolation.
Revision Checklist
- Can you summarise the text in 80 words?
- Can you name all major characters and their traits?
- Can you identify at least 3 literary devices with examples?
- Can you write a 5-mark answer on the main theme?
- Have you practised all textbook exercise questions?