Chapter 1, G.L. Fuentes’s “Letter to God”, includes a Summary, Theme, MCQs, Important Passages, Question Answers, and Extra Questions.

Chapter 1- A Letter to God by G.L. Fuentes:

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Vocabulary:

• Affixed – Attached or fastened to something.
• Amiable – Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
• Charity – The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.
• Conscience – An inner feeling or voice viewed as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behaviour.
• Contentment – A state of happiness and satisfaction.
• Correspondence – The exchange of letters.
• Crest – The highest point of a hill or mountain ridge.
• Crooks – Dishonest or unscrupulous people.
• Curtail – To reduce the extent or quantity of something.
• Downpour – A heavy rainfall, usually sudden and intense.
• Goodwill – Friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude.
• Hailstones – Small balls or lumps of ice that fall as precipitation during a hailstorm.
• Locusts – Insects that swarm in vast numbers and cause extensive crop damage.
• Ox – A large, strong, slow-witted animal used for pulling heavy loads and for its meat.
• Plague – A widespread disease causing high mortality; a pestilence.
• Shower – A brief period of rain.
• Supper – The evening meal, typically a light one.

Summary “A Letter to God” by G.L. Fuentes:

In “A Letter to God” by Gregorio Lopez Fuentes, Lencho, a farmer facing the devastation of his crops by a hailstorm, writes a letter to God asking for help. He requests a hundred pesos to replant his field. The postmaster, touched by Lencho’s faith, mobilises his staff and friends to gather funds. Unable to meet the total amount, they send Lencho what they can. Disappointed by the shortfall, Lencho writes another letter to God, accusing the post office employees of dishonesty. The short story highlights faith, desperation, and the human capacity for kindness and deceit.

Theme “A Letter to God”:

The theme of “A Letter to God” revolves around faith, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of life.

• Faith: The protagonist, Lencho, demonstrates unwavering faith in God’s ability to provide for him and his family. He writes a letter to God seeking financial assistance, believing God will answer his prayers. This theme highlights the importance of faith in times of hardship and adversity.

• Resilience: Despite facing natural disasters like hailstorms that destroy his crops, Lencho remains resilient. He refuses to succumb to despair and has hope for the future. This resilience highlights the human capacity to endure challenges and persevere in adversity.

• The Unpredictability of Life: The story illustrates how life can be unpredictable and filled with unexpected events, such as the sudden hailstorm that devastates Lencho’s crops. Despite Lencho’s careful planning and hard work, external factors beyond his control disrupt his livelihood. This theme serves as a reminder of the uncertainty of life and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

“A Letter to God” conveys a message of faith, resilience, and the acceptance of life’s uncertainties. It emphasises the importance of maintaining hope and trust in something greater than oneself, even amid difficult times.

Character Sketch:

Lencho: 

Lencho, the protagonist of “A Letter to God,” is portrayed as a hardworking and devout man who faces adversity with resilience and unwavering faith. Here is a character sketch of Lencho:

• Hardworking: Lencho is depicted as a diligent and industrious farmer deeply connected to his land. He works tirelessly in his fields, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to providing for his family through agriculture.

• Faithful: Lencho’s faith in God is central to his character. He believes wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and seeks divine assistance when faced with challenges. His decision to write a letter to God requesting financial help reflects his profound faith and trust in a higher power.

• Resilient: Despite encountering setbacks like the destructive hailstorm that ruins his crops, Lencho remains resilient. He refuses to give in to despair or hopelessness, instead choosing to maintain hope for the future and continue working towards a better outcome.

• Generous: Lencho’s concern for his family’s well-being is evident in his willingness to seek help from God to ensure their survival. He is motivated by his needs and the desire to provide for his loved ones, demonstrating a selfless and caring nature.

• Practical: While Lencho is deeply religious and trusts God’s providence, he is also pragmatic. He takes practical steps to address his challenges, such as writing a letter and seeking financial assistance, rather than passively resigning himself to fate.

• Humble: Despite his hardships, Lencho remains humble and grounded. He does not harbour resentment or bitterness towards God or others for his misfortunes but maintains a sense of humility and acceptance of his circumstances.

Lencho emerges as a multifaceted character who embodies faith, resilience, generosity, practicality, and humility. His portrayal highlights the complexities of human nature and the capacity for hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Post Master: 

The postmaster in “A Letter to God” is a minor character, but still, he plays a significant role in the story. Here’s a character sketch of the postmaster:

• Kind-hearted: The postmaster is depicted as compassionate and caring. When he reads Lencho’s letter addressed to God, he is moved by the farmer’s faith and determination. Despite initially finding the situation humorous, he ultimately decides to help Lencho by orchestrating a response to his letter.

• Empathetic: The postmaster demonstrates empathy towards Lencho’s plight. He recognises the farmer’s sincere belief in God and understands the gravity of his situation. Rather than dismissing Lencho’s letter as foolishness, the postmaster empathises with his predicament and seeks to alleviate his suffering.

• Resourceful: To assist Lencho, the postmaster devises a plan to respond to the letter addressed to God. Despite the challenges of gathering funds, he mobilises his employees and friends to contribute money towards Lencho’s request. His resourcefulness and ingenuity enable him to assist the struggling farmer.

• Humorous: While the postmaster initially finds amusement in Lencho’s letter, he does not mock or ridicule the farmer. Instead, he maintains a lighthearted attitude while taking Lencho’s plea seriously. His ability to find humour in the situation reflects his good-natured personality.

• Altruistic: The postmaster’s decision to help Lencho is driven by a genuine desire to do good. Despite the inconvenience and effort required to gather funds, he selflessly contributes his money and persuades others to do the same. His altruism highlights his commitment to assisting those in need.

• Respectful: Throughout the story, the postmaster treats Lencho with respect and dignity. He handles the situation sensitively, ensuring that Lencho’s faith in God is not undermined. Despite his initial amusement at the letter addressed to God, he refrains from mocking or belittling Lencho’s beliefs.

The postmaster emerges as a sympathetic and benevolent character who embodies kindness, empathy, resourcefulness, humour, altruism, and respect. His actions contribute to the story’s overarching themes of faith, resilience, and compassion.

Question Answers “A Letter to God”:

Oral Comprehension Check:

Q1: What did Lencho hope for?

A1: Lencho hoped for rain to water his crops and ensure a successful harvest for his family.

Q2: Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like ‘new coins’?

A2: Lencho said the raindrops were like ‘new coins’ because he perceived them as symbols of prosperity and blessings from God. He equated the size of raindrops with different denominations of currency, expressing his optimism and belief that the rain would bring financial abundance to his family.

Q3: How did the rain change? What happened to Lencho’s fields?

A3: The rain changed from a blessing to a calamity when it turned into a destructive hailstorm. The hailstones devastated Lencho’s fields, wrecking his crops. The hailstorm stripped the plants of their flowers and leaves, leaving the fields barren and devoid of hope for a successful harvest.

Q4: What were Lencho’s feelings when the hail stopped? Who or what did Lencho have faith in? What did he do?

A4: When the hail stopped, Lencho felt sad and despair. Lencho had faith in God. Despite the devastation caused by the hailstorm, he maintained his belief in divine intervention and decided to write a letter to God, pleading for assistance.

Q5: Who read the letter?

A5: The postmaster read the letter addressed to God written by Lencho.

Q6: What did the postmaster do then?

A6: After reading the letter, the postmaster responded to preserve Lencho’s faith in God. He gathered money from his employees and friends, contributing to a fund to help Lencho. The postmaster then sent Lencho a portion of the requested money in an envelope and a letter containing only a single word as a signature: “God.”

Q7: Was Lencho surprised to find a letter for him with money in it?

A7: Lencho was not surprised to find a letter for him with money in it, and he was not surprised upon receiving the money, as was his confidence in God’s provision.

Q8: What made him angry?

A8: Lencho became angry when he counted the money and realised that only seventy pesos had reached him instead of the total amount he had requested. He believed that God could not have made a mistake or denied him what he asked for, so the shortfall in the money made him angry and disillusioned.

Thinking About The Text:

Q1: Who does Lencho have complete faith in? Which sentences in the story tell you this?

A1: Lencho has complete faith in God. This is evident from several sentences in the story:

• Lencho writes a letter to God, expressing his desperate need for financial assistance: “God, if you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry this year.”

• Lencho shows unwavering confidence upon receiving the money, indicating his trust in divine intervention: “Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence.”

• Despite receiving only a portion of the requested money, Lencho remains convinced that God could not have made a mistake or denied him what he asked for: “God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.”

Q2: Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter ‘God’?

A2: The postmaster sends money to Lencho in response to his letter to God, expressing his need for financial assistance. The postmaster does this to preserve Lencho’s faith in God and to uphold the illusion that God has answered his prayers. He signs the letter ‘God’ to maintain the belief that the money came directly from a divine source, reinforcing Lencho’s faith and preventing him from disillusioning.

Q3: Did Lencho try to find out who had sent the money to him? Why/Why not?

A3: No, Lencho does not try to find out who had sent the money to him. He firmly believes that the money came from God in response to his letter. He shows no suspicion or curiosity about the sender’s identity, as he perceives the assistance as a direct intervention from a higher power.

Q4: Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? What is the irony in the situation? 

A4: Lencho thinks the post office employees have taken the rest of the money. The irony in this situation is that Lencho’s unwavering faith in God leads him to accuse the people who tried to help him. 

Despite the postmaster’s efforts to preserve Lencho’s faith and assist him, Lencho’s distrust in human institutions, fueled by his belief in divine intervention, causes him to attribute malicious intentions to those who attempted to aid him. This highlights the story’s ironic theme, as Lencho’s faith inadvertently leads to mistrust and misunderstanding.

Q5: Are there people like Lencho in the real world? What kind of a person would you say he is? You may select appropriate words from the box to answer the question.

A5: Yes, there are people like Lencho in the real world. Lencho can be described as:

• Naive: Lencho demonstrates innocence and simplicity in his unwavering faith in God’s ability to provide for his family.

• Unquestioning: Lencho unquestioningly believes that God will answer his prayers and provide for his needs without doubting or questioning the outcome.

• Comical: Lencho’s actions, such as writing a letter to God and accusing the post office employees of theft, may be seen as humorous or amusing in their naivety and earnestness.

Q6: The story has two kinds of conflict: between humans and nature, and between humans themselves. How are these conflicts illustrated?

A6: The conflicts in the story are illustrated as follows:

• The devastation caused by the hailstorm, which destroys Lencho’s crops and livelihood, portrays the conflict between humans and nature. It highlights humans’ vulnerability in the face of natural disasters and their dependence on favourable weather conditions for survival.

• The conflict between humans themselves: This conflict arises from Lencho’s distrust of the post office employees, whom he accuses of stealing the rest of the money sent to him. Despite the postmaster’s efforts to help him and preserve his faith in God, Lencho’s suspicion and accusations create tension and conflict between him and the post office staff. This illustrates the mistrust and misunderstanding among humans, even when assistance is offered with good intentions.

Thinking About Language: 

I. Look at the following sentence from the story.

Suddenly a strong wind began to blow and along with the rain very large hailstones began to fall. 

There are different names in different parts of the world for storms, depending on their nature. Can you match the names in the box with their descriptions below, and fill in the blanks? 

Gale, Whirlwind, Cyclone, Hurricane, Tornado, Typhoon

Answers:

1. A violent tropical storm in which strong winds move in a circle: CYCLONE

2. An extremely strong wind : GALE

3. A violent tropical storm with very strong winds : TYPHOON

4. A violent storm whose centre is a cloud in the shape of a funnel: TORNADO

5. A violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic Ocean: HURRICANE

6. A very strong wind that moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage: WHIRLWIND

II. Notice how the word ‘hope’ is used in these sentences from the story:

(a) I hope it (the hailstorm) passes quickly.

(b) There was a single hope: help from God.

In the first example, ‘hope’ is a verb which means you wish for something to happen. In the second example it is a noun meaning a chance for something to happen.

Match the sentences in Column A with the meanings of ‘hope’ in Column B.

Answers:

III. Relative Clauses

Join the sentences given below using who, whom, whose, which, as suggested.

1. I often go to Mumbai. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. (which)

2. My mother is going to host a TV show on cooking. She cooks very well. (who)

3. These sportspersons are going to meet the President. Their performance has been excellent. (whose)

4. Lencho prayed to God. His eyes see into our minds. (whose)

5. This man cheated me. I trusted him. (whom)

Answers: 

1. I often go to Mumbai, which is the commercial capital of India.

2. My mother, who cooks very well, will host a TV show on cooking.

3. These sportspersons, whose performance has been excellent, will meet the President.

4. Lencho prayed to God, whose eyes see into our minds.

5. This man, whom I trusted, cheated me.

IV. Using Negatives for Emphasis:

Find sentences in the story with negative words which express the following ideas emphatically.

1. The trees lost all their leaves.

2. The letter was addressed to God himself.

3. The postman saw this address for the first time in his career

Answers: 

1. “Not a leaf remained on the trees.”
2. It was nothing less than a letter to God. 
3. “Never in his career as a postman had he known that address.”

V. Metaphors:

Find metaphors from the story to complete the table below. Try to say what qualities are being compared. One has been done for you.

Extra Questions “A Letter to God”:

Short Answer Type Questions: 

Q1: What was the initial situation in the story?

A1: The story begins with Lencho, a farmer in a valley, eagerly anticipating rain for his crops. Despite his optimism, a hailstorm destroys his cornfield, leaving him and his family in despair.

Q2: How does Lencho initially interpret the rain?

A2: Lencho interprets the rain as a blessing from God, comparing the falling drops to coins. His initial joy turns to despair when the rain turns into a destructive hailstorm.

Q3: How does Lencho respond to the hailstorm’s destruction?

A3: Lencho expresses sadness and disappointment, realising that the hail has destroyed his entire cornfield, leaving them nothing for the year. Despite this, he still hopes for help from God.

Q4 Lencho decide to do after the hailstorm?

A4: Lencho writes a letter to God, asking for financial assistance to replant his field and support his family until the next harvest. He believes in the power of his faith and expects a response from God.

Q5: How does the postmaster react to Lencho’s letter?

A5: Initially amused, the postmaster admires Lencho’s faith and responds to the letter by gathering money from his employees and friends. Despite being unable to fulfil the entire request, he sends what he can.

Q6: What is Lencho’s reaction upon receiving the money?

A6: Lencho becomes angry when he counts the money, believing God couldn’t have made a mistake. He feels that he has been cheated, expressing frustration and disbelief in the honesty of the post office.

Q7: What does Lencho do after receiving the money?

A7: Lencho writes another letter to God, requesting the remaining amount and expressing distrust in the post office employees. He sends the letter with determination, seeking a resolution to his financial troubles.

Q8: What does Lencho’s second letter reveal about his character?

A8: Lencho’s second letter showcases his resilience and assertiveness. Despite the disappointment, he remains proactive in seeking assistance, demonstrating his determination to overcome challenges and provide for his family.

Q9: How does Lencho’s response reflect his view of God and the world around him?

A9: Lencho’s reaction reflects his deep trust in God’s providence but also reveals his scepticism toward the institutions of society, such as the post office. He sees God as the ultimate provider but doubts the integrity of human intermediaries.

Q10: How does Lencho’s reaction to the incomplete amount demonstrate his character?

A10: Lencho’s response shows his strong sense of justice and fairness. He believes in the power of his request to God and expects it to be fulfilled accurately. His disappointment stems from a perceived breach of trust rather than simply not receiving enough money.

Q11: What role does faith play in Lencho’s actions throughout the story?

A11: Faith serves as Lencho’s guiding force, driving him to seek help from God in times of need. Despite adversity, he maintains unwavering faith in divine intervention, believing God will provide for him and his family.

Q12: How does the postmaster’s response to Lencho’s letter contribute to the themes of faith and human nature?

A12: The postmaster’s decision to respond to Lencho’s letter reflects a belief in the power of faith and the importance of compassion. Despite his initial amusement, he recognizes the sincerity of Lencho’s plea and takes action to help him, demonstrating kindness and empathy.

Q13: What does Lencho’s letter reveal about the socio-economic conditions of his community?

A13: Lencho’s letter highlights the struggles of rural communities, where farmers like him depend on successful harvests for survival. The devastation of the hailstorm highlights the vulnerability of agricultural livelihoods and the precariousness of economic stability.

Q14: How does Lencho’s persistence in writing a second letter demonstrate his resilience?

A14: Despite his disappointment, Lencho’s decision to write a second letter showcases his resilience and determination. Instead of resigning himself to despair, he takes proactive steps to address his situation, refusing to give up hope for assistance.

Q15: What themes can be inferred from Lencho’s story?

A15: Lencho’s story explores themes of faith, resilience, social justice, and the complexity of human nature. It highlights the importance of belief in adversity and the challenges marginalised communities face in seeking assistance and justice.

Long Answer Type Questions: 

Q1: What is the setting of the story “Letter to God”?

A1: The story’s setting is a remote valley where Lencho and his family live in a solitary house atop a low hill. The valley is characterised by its agricultural landscape: a river, fields of ripe corn, and mountains in the distance. The story takes place during a time of anticipation for rain, which is crucial for the success of Lencho’s crops. 

The valley’s isolation and natural beauty are contrasted with the sudden destructive force of the hailstorm that devastates Lencho’s fields. This setting serves as a backdrop to explore themes of faith, resilience, and the unpredictable forces of nature in the characters’ lives.

Q2: How does Lencho respond to the destruction caused by the hailstorm?

A2: Lencho responds to the devastation caused by the hailstorm with deep sadness and disappointment. Initially hopeful for rain to nourish his crops, he witnesses the hailstones destroying everything in their path, leaving the fields barren and his family’s livelihood in jeopardy. Lencho expresses his despair by comparing the devastation caused by the hail to that of a plague of locusts, emphasising the extent of the damage. 

Despite his hard work and reliance on the harvest, Lencho faces the harsh reality of nature’s unpredictability. His reaction reflects a sense of helplessness and resignation as he realises that their efforts have been in vain and that they will likely face hardships due to losing their crops.

Q3: What is Lencho’s reaction upon receiving the response to his letter?

A3: Upon receiving the response to his letter, Lencho shows no surprise at the money’s arrival, indicating his unwavering faith in God’s ability to provide. However, upon counting the money, Lencho becomes angry when he realises he has received less than the requested amount. This discrepancy challenges his belief in the divine intervention he had hoped for. 

Lencho’s reaction underscores his trust in God’s ability to fulfil his needs and his disappointment when reality doesn’t align with his expectations. Despite his frustration, Lencho’s determination to seek the rest of the money suggests his persistence in relying on his faith to overcome challenges and provide for his family.

Q4: How does the postmaster react to Lencho’s letter to God?

A4: The postmaster initially reacts to Lencho’s letter to God with amusement and admiration for the farmer’s unwavering faith. He finds humour in the idea of someone writing a letter to God but quickly recognises the depth of Lencho’s conviction and belief. Despite his initial laughter, the postmaster’s amusement turns into a sense of respect for Lencho’s faith, and he wishes he had such a strong belief himself. 

This reaction highlights the contrast between the postmaster’s scepticism and Lencho’s steadfast faith, prompting him to consider the profound implications of Lencho’s letter and the power of faith in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the postmaster’s reaction sets the stage for his decision to intervene and respond to Lencho’s letter on behalf of “God.”

Q5: What does the postmaster do upon receiving Lencho’s letter?

A5: Upon receiving Lencho’s letter, the postmaster is moved by the farmer’s unwavering faith and decides to respond. Recognising the significance of Lencho’s belief in divine intervention, the postmaster resolves to help him, despite the impossibility of fulfilling the request with goodwill, ink, and paper. 

To raise the requested amount, the postmaster appeals to his employees, contributes part of his salary, and seeks assistance from his friends, all in the spirit of charity. Despite being unable to collect the total amount, the postmaster sends Lencho over half of what he requested, along with a letter signed simply as “God.” This gesture reflects the postmaster’s empathy and desire to uphold Lencho’s faith in divine providence.

Q6: How does Lencho respond when he receives the money from “God”?

A6: When Lencho receives the money from “God,” he initially shows no surprise, reflecting his unwavering faith in divine intervention. However, upon counting the money, Lencho becomes angry and disappointed, realising that he has not received the requested amount. This discrepancy challenges his belief in his letter’s effectiveness and God’s generosity. Despite his frustration, Lencho remains determined to address the shortfall, reflecting his resilience and resourcefulness. 

He immediately writes another letter, expressing his need for the remaining funds, but distrusts the postal system, believing the employees to be dishonest. Lencho’s response highlights his unwavering faith in God’s ability to provide, despite his disappointment in the outcome, and his resolve to seek assistance through unconventional means.

Q7: How does Lencho’s attitude towards the situation reflect his faith and character?

A7: Lencho’s attitude reflects his profound faith and resilient character. Despite facing devastating losses due to the hailstorm, Lencho remains steadfast in his belief that God will provide for him and his family. His unwavering trust in divine intervention is evident in his decision to write a letter to God, seeking help in the face of adversity. 

Upon receiving only a portion of the requested funds, Lencho’s disappointment is tempered by his determination to pursue the rest of the money, demonstrating his persistence and resourcefulness. His unwavering faith in God’s providence and willingness to take action to address his needs highlight Lencho’s resilience and deep-seated belief in the power of faith to overcome challenges.

Q8: How does the story’s resolution reflect themes of faith, trust, and human nature?

A8: The story’s resolution encapsulates themes of faith, trust, and human nature through Lencho’s unwavering belief in divine intervention, the postmaster’s act of compassion, and the human propensity for resilience in the face of adversity. Lencho’s faith in God’s providence remains unshaken despite receiving only partial assistance, reflecting the enduring power of faith to sustain hope in times of hardship. 

The postmaster’s decision to respond to Lencho’s letter with generosity and empathy underscores the capacity for compassion and solidarity within human nature, even amidst bureaucratic constraints. Ultimately, the resolution highlights the interconnectedness of faith, trust, and human resilience, illustrating how individuals navigate challenges with unwavering belief, support from others, and an innate ability to persevere in pursuit of hope and survival.

Important Lines/ Passages “Una carta a Dios”:

1. “The only thing the earth needed was a downpour or at least a shower.” This line sets the stage for the story, establishing the agricultural setting and the characters’ dependence on weather conditions. It highlights the importance of rain for the crops to thrive and suggests that precipitation is the only missing element for a successful harvest.

2. “The big drops are ten cent pieces and the little ones are fives.” Lencho, the protagonist, perceives the raindrops as coins falling from the sky, demonstrating his hopeful and positive outlook. He sees the rain as a blessing, equating the size of raindrops with different denominations of currency. This shows his belief that the rain will bring his crops and family prosperity.

3. “The hail has left nothing. This year we will have no corn.” This line marks a turning point in the story, where the anticipated rain transforms into destructive hail. Lencho’s initial optimism is shattered as he witnesses the devastation caused by the hailstorm. The line foreshadows the family’s hardships due to losing their crops, indicating a bleak future ahead.

4. “All our work, for nothing.” This expression of despair reflects the emotional turmoil experienced by Lencho and his family in the aftermath of the hailstorm. Despite their hard work and dedication to their fields, their efforts seem futile in the face of natural calamity. It highlights the characters’ sense of helplessness and disappointment.

5. “Don’t be so upset, even though this seems like a total loss. Remember, no one dies of hunger.” Despite the dire circumstances, this line offers hope and resilience. It emphasises the importance of maintaining perspective and finding solace in adversity. While the crop loss is significant, the characters find comfort in believing they can endure hardships and survive without succumbing to despair.

6. “It was nothing less than a letter to God.” This line emphasises the profound nature of Lencho’s letter. It highlights the desperation and sincerity behind his plea for assistance. By addressing the letter to God, Lencho reveals his unwavering faith and belief in divine intervention, highlighting the depths of his reliance on a higher power during times of crisis.

7. “God, if you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry this year.” This direct appeal to God encapsulates the essence of Lencho’s plea for aid. It reflects his acknowledgement of his family’s dire consequences without divine intervention. Through this prayer-like statement, Lencho expresses his vulnerability and dependence on God’s mercy to alleviate their suffering and ensure their survival.

8. “What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter.” This line, spoken by the postmaster upon reading Lencho’s letter, conveys admiration for the depth of Lencho’s faith. It highlights the remarkable extent to which Lencho’s trust in God inspires awe and admiration in others. The postmaster’s remark reflects a sense of longing or envy for such unwavering faith, highlighting the profound impact of Lencho’s beliefs on those around him.

9. “He put the money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing only a single word as a signature: God.” This action by the postmaster demonstrates an attempt to honour Lencho’s faith and preserve his belief in divine intervention. By attributing the sender of the money to God, the postmaster maintains the illusion of divine assistance, thereby upholding Lencho’s faith and preventing disillusionment. It reflects an act of compassion and empathy on the part of the postmaster, who recognises the importance of faith in providing hope and solace during times of hardship.

10. “Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence.” Lencho’s lack of surprise upon receiving the money highlights his unwavering faith in God’s ability to provide. It highlights the depth of his belief and trust in divine intervention, regardless of its form. Lencho’s confidence reflects his conviction that his prayers have been answered, reaffirming his faith and strengthening his resolve to face the challenges ahead.

11. “God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested.” Lencho’s statement emphasises his unwavering faith in God’s omnipotence and benevolence. It reflects his conviction that God’s actions are always just and aligned with his intentions, regardless of the outcome Lencho experiences.

12. “Of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need it very much. But don’t send it to me through the mail because the post office employees are a bunch of crooks. Lencho.” In response to receiving only a portion of the requested money, Lencho expresses his disappointment and frustration. Despite acknowledging the receipt of some funds, he remains adamant about the necessity of receiving the total amount. His distrust of the post office employees highlights his disillusionment with human institutions and his unwavering reliance on divine assistance.

13. “Throughout the morning Lencho — who knew his fields intimately — had done nothing else but see the sky towards the north-east.” Lencho’s continual sky monitoring reflects his intimate connection to his land and acute awareness of weather patterns. It highlights his diligence and attentiveness as a farmer, his reliance on natural elements for his livelihood and his hope for rain, which he perceives as essential for the success of his crops.

14. “But when he opened it, it was evident that to answer it he needed something more than goodwill, ink and paper.” Upon reading Lencho’s letter, the postmaster’s realisation that fulfilling the request would require more than mere resources signifies the inability of human efforts alone to address the depth of Lencho’s need and the magnitude of his faith. It highlights the limitations of bureaucratic processes in providing genuine assistance, highlighting the complexity of addressing spiritual and emotional needs.

15. “Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence.“ When receiving the money, Lencho’s lack of surprise reaffirms his unshakable faith in divine intervention. Despite the discrepancy between the requested and received amount, Lencho remains steadfast in his belief that God has answered his prayers. His confidence reflects his conviction that God will provide for his needs, regardless of the means or intermediaries involved.