The short story A Letter to God by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a timeless piece that beautifully reflects faith, hope, and irony. It narrates the story of Lencho, a poor farmer who relies heavily on nature and divine help for survival. This story is widely studied in schools and is part of many literature curricula, often accompanied by extra questions to enhance comprehension. Understanding these questions helps students grasp the deeper meanings and moral lessons of the story. Below, we will explore various extra questions, their answers, themes, and insights connected to the narrative.
Summary of A Letter to God
Before diving into the extra questions, let’s briefly summarize the story. The story revolves around Lencho, a dedicated farmer who eagerly awaits rain for his crops. When the long-awaited rain arrives, it soon turns into a destructive hailstorm, ruining his entire harvest. In despair, Lencho writes a letter to God asking for 100 pesos to sow his crops again. He mails the letter with complete faith that God will respond. The postmaster, moved by Lencho’s unwavering belief, collects money with the help of other employees and sends it to Lencho. However, Lencho, noticing that the amount is less than what he requested, suspects that the postal workers stole some of the money. He writes another letter asking God not to send the money through the post office next time. This unexpected twist brings irony and humor to the story while highlighting the theme of faith.
Extra Questions and Answers for A Letter to God
1. What was Lencho’s only hope after the hailstorm, and why?
Lencho’s only hope was God because he firmly believed that God could see everything and would not let his family go hungry. His faith was so strong that he felt sure God would help him with the money he needed.
2. Why did Lencho write a letter to God instead of asking for help from others?
Lencho did not trust anyone as much as he trusted God. He believed God alone could provide the help he needed without any selfish motives. This shows his simplicity and innocence.
3. What does the story teach about faith and human nature?
The story illustrates the power of faith in overcoming despair. However, it also reflects human nature’s irony while Lencho trusted God completely, he doubted the honesty of the post office employees who actually helped him.
4. How does the postmaster react to Lencho’s letter, and why?
The postmaster was initially amused by Lencho’s letter, but later he was deeply touched by the farmer’s faith. To keep Lencho’s belief alive, he decided to help collect money and send it to him.
5. What is the irony in the story A Letter to God?
The main irony lies in the fact that Lencho suspected the very people who helped him. He thought the postal workers were dishonest, even though they had donated money for him out of kindness.
Themes Highlighted Through Questions
Theme of Faith
Questions such as Why did Lencho write to God? emphasize how deeply rooted faith can influence decisions and attitudes. Lencho’s unquestioning trust in God is a central theme that forms the heart of the story.
Theme of Irony
The irony is showcased when students are asked questions like What does Lencho accuse the post office workers of? This leads to discussions on how perception can differ from reality.
Theme of Human Values
Extra questions often focus on the kindness of the postmaster and his colleagues, underlining the importance of empathy and generosity in society.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Explain the character of Lencho in detail.
Lencho is portrayed as a hardworking and simple farmer with unshakable faith in God. His belief is so strong that he writes a letter asking for financial help without hesitation. His innocence is evident when he suspects the post office workers instead of recognizing their kindness. Lencho’s character represents purity of faith and trust.
2. Discuss the role of the postmaster in the story.
The postmaster plays a crucial role in maintaining Lencho’s faith. Initially amused by the letter, he later becomes empathetic and organizes a collection to help Lencho. His actions highlight the goodness in human beings and the desire to support others in times of need.
3. What is the significance of the title A Letter to God?
The title reflects the essence of the story a letter written to God out of desperation and faith. It symbolizes trust in divine power and also sets the tone for the narrative, which revolves around this act of writing.
Short Answer Questions
- Who read Lencho’s letter first?
- How much money did Lencho receive?
- What did Lencho write in his second letter?
The postmaster read the letter first when it arrived at the post office.
Lencho received 70 pesos instead of the 100 pesos he requested.
In his second letter, Lencho asked God not to send money through the post office, as he believed they were dishonest.
Extra Discussion Questions for Deeper Understanding
- How does the story reflect rural life and dependence on agriculture?
- What lessons can modern society learn from Lencho’s faith?
- Do you think Lencho was justified in doubting the postal workers? Why or why not?
A Letter to God is more than just a story; it is a lesson in faith, simplicity, and irony. Extra questions help students explore these layers in detail, promoting critical thinking and moral understanding. By answering questions on themes, characters, and literary devices, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of the narrative. This timeless piece continues to inspire discussions about human values, trust, and the complexity of perception, making it a valuable addition to literature studies.