A Letter to God Long Answer Type Question

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This page offers A Letter to God long answer type question for Class 10 from the book First Flight.
We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand A Letter to God long answer type question

1. Imagine Lencho’s life after the events of the story. How would he use the money he received, and how might this impact his family’s future? Consider the potential changes in his attitude and faith as he faces new challenges.

Answer- After the events of the story, Lencho, with his unwavering faith, would likely use the money to recover from the devastating loss of his crops. He would probably invest in replanting his fields, ensuring his family’s livelihood and stability. This act of reconstruction would not only be a practical response to his immediate needs but also a symbolic gesture of his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

The experience might deepen Lencho’s faith, as he believes the help came directly from divine intervention. This could lead to a more profound spiritual life, guiding his actions and decisions. However, his perception of people, tainted by suspicion of dishonesty, might create a sense of isolation from his community. He could become more self-reliant and cautious in his interactions with others. This shift could impact his family, possibly leading them towards a more closed-off, yet self-sustaining, way of life.

2. Put yourself in the postmaster’s shoes. If you were the postmaster, how would you explain the source of the money to Lencho without revealing the truth? Craft a thoughtful letter that conveys empathy, support, and encouragement.

Answer- As the postmaster, my letter to Lencho would be:

Dear Lencho,

I am writing in response to your remarkable letter. Your firm faith in such hard times has deeply touched us all. We have come together to gather a sum of money for you. While it may not be as much as you asked for, it is a symbol of our collective hope and support for you. This assistance comes from people who, though unseen, share a sense of community and empathy. Please accept this as a gesture of goodwill and know that you are not alone in facing life’s challenges. Your strength and faith inspire us.

Sincerely,

The Postmaster

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3. Create a dialogue between Lencho and his neighbor who also suffered from the hailstorm. Discuss how their shared experiences and different approaches to coping with adversity reveal contrasting philosophies of life.

Answer- Lencho: “This hailstorm has destroyed everything, but I believe God will help us. I’ve sent Him a letter asking for aid.”

Neighbor: “That’s an unusual approach, Lencho. I’m focusing on what we can do ourselves, like working extra hours or seeking help from the community.”

Lencho: “I have faith that divine intervention will provide for us. It’s out of our hands now.”

Neighbor: “I admire your faith, but I believe in taking action. We can’t just wait for a miracle.”

Lencho: “Our paths may differ, but I trust in a higher power. Each to their own belief, I suppose.”

4. Imagine a scenario in which Lencho’s letter to God is discovered by someone else in the village. How would the villagers react, and what rumors or interpretations might arise? Explore the dynamics of gossip and community perception.

Answer- If Lencho’s letter to God were discovered by someone in the village, it could lead to a variety of reactions and rumors. Some villagers might admire Lencho’s firm and innocent faith and view him as a symbol of hope and spiritual resilience. They could see his act as a proof to the power of belief, regardless of the outcome.

On the other hand, there might be people who find the idea of writing to God naive or even foolish. They could mock Lencho for his simplistic faith, especially in a modern, pragmatic world. This could lead to a division in the community between those who support Lencho’s faith and those who ridicule it.

People might start talking a lot about the story, changing it a bit each time. Some might make it sound more amazing than it really was, or guess what will happen next. Others might talk about big ideas like religion or what people believe these days because of the story. It shows that one simple thing someone does can be seen in many different ways by people, and it can change how they think about each other.

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5. Develop a short story that explores the fate of the one peso coin that was part of Lencho’s response from God. Trace its journey through various hands in the village and narrate the impact it has on each individual’s life.

Answer- In a small village, a single peso coin from Lencho’s ‘response from God’ began an unexpected journey. First, it landed in the hands of a young boy at the market. He used it to buy a pencil for school, symbolizing the coin’s role in fostering education. Next, the shopkeeper, who received the peso, passed it to a farmer in exchange for some vegetables. For the farmer, this coin represented a hard day’s work and the sustenance of his family. Later, the coin found its way to a local artisan, who used it towards materials for her craft, signifying the support of local art and culture. Each hand the coin passed through was unknowingly connected by Lencho’s act of faith, illustrating how a small piece of currency could impact various lives, weaving a thread of interconnectedness and community within the village. This journey of the peso coin highlighted the subtle yet profound impact of seemingly minor actions in a close-knit community.

6. If Lencho had not believed so strongly in divine intervention, how might he have reacted to the hailstorm and its aftermath differently?

Answer- If Lencho hadn’t believed so much in getting help from above, he would have handled the storm damage differently. He wouldn’t just wait for a miracle. Instead, he might have gone to his neighbors to see if they could all help each other out. He could have also talked to people in charge of the town or groups that help people in trouble.

Lencho might have thought about other ways to make money for a while, like doing different jobs that he hadn’t thought of before. This would show he’s good at solving problems on his own and with help from friends and neighbors. By doing things this way, Lencho would show he believes more in doing what he can with what he has and in people helping each other out. He would look for real, quick solutions instead of waiting for a miracle to fix everything.

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7. What might have been the reaction of Lencho’s family to his decision to write a letter to God, and how could this reflect on their own beliefs and values?

Answer- Lencho’s family would have likely had a mix of emotions when he made the decision to write a letter to God. Some of them might have found it a bit unusual or overly optimistic. Even though they shared a belief in God to some extent, Lencho’s direct and literal approach to seeking divine help may have struck them as an uncommon way of addressing life’s challenges.

This situation could have sparked conversations within the family about the delicate balance between faith and practicality. They might have discussed different ways of coping with adversity and how much reliance to place on their faith in God versus taking practical actions to address their problems.

Their collective reaction would have highlighted the dynamics of a family where faith plays an important role but individual members may interpret and rely on it to varying degrees. It would have underscored the idea that within a single family, diverse belief systems can coexist. In times of crisis, they would have come together to support each other, showcasing their ability to understand and respect each other’s coping mechanisms, even if those mechanisms differ.

In essence, Lencho’s decision to write a letter to God would have triggered a range of responses within his family, fostering discussions about faith, practicality, and the diversity of beliefs that can exist within a close-knit group.

8. How would the story change if the postmaster had chosen not to respond to Lencho’s letter? What would this say about human compassion and empathy?

Answer- If the postmaster had chosen not to respond to Lencho’s letter, the story’s tone would have shifted to emphasize the absence of human compassion and its consequences. Lencho’s deep faith would have met with silence, potentially causing him to question his beliefs and feel abandoned. This internal conflict could have become a central theme.

The story might have portrayed Lencho’s family facing greater hardships without the postmaster’s aid, highlighting their resilience in the face of increased challenges. This alteration would underscore the significance of empathy and kindness in society.

In a world without the postmaster’s compassionate act, the narrative would serve as a reminder of the power of human empathy. It would depict a world where people must confront their struggles alone, emphasizing the crucial role of extending understanding and support to one another. This shorter storyline would convey the message that even in difficult times, acts of kindness can profoundly impact lives.

9. Imagine if Lencho had received a different response from God, such as advice instead of money. How would this have affected his faith and future actions?

Answer- If Lencho had received advice instead of money in response to his letter, it would have significantly affected his faith and future actions. Such a response might have initially confused or disappointed him, as it would not directly address his immediate financial needs.

However, it could also have prompted him to reflect more deeply on self-reliance and resourcefulness. This shift could lead to a more pragmatic approach in dealing with life’s challenges, blending his strong faith with a greater emphasis on personal action and community support.

Over time, this could foster a more balanced perspective, where faith is complemented by practical efforts, leading to a more resilient and adaptive approach to life’s obstacles.

10. Consider the moral implications if the villagers had known about the postmaster’s gesture. How might their perception of Lencho and the postmaster change?

Answer- If the villagers had known about the postmaster’s gesture, their perception of both Lencho and the postmaster would likely have changed. They might have viewed Lencho with a mix of pity and admiration.

Pity for his naivety in believing the money came from God, and admiration for his unshakeable faith. The postmaster, on the other hand, would probably be seen as a figure of kindness and empathy. His actions would reflect the power of human compassion and the impact it can have on others.

This revelation could also lead to a deeper sense of community within the village, highlighting the importance of supporting one another in times of need.

11. How do Lencho’s unwavering faith and determination to seek help from God challenge our own beliefs in the face of adversity?

Answer- Lencho’s unshakeable faith and his decision to seek divine help in adversity challenge our perspectives on dealing with difficulties. His approach, rooted in deep religious belief, contrasts with more pragmatic, action-oriented strategies.

Lencho’s unshakeable faith prompts us to examine our reliance on tangible versus spiritual solutions in crises. Lencho’s story, thus, becomes a reflection on the role and power of faith in modern life. It provokes thought about our own resilience, the sources of our strength, and how we balance faith with practical actions.

His narrative also underscores the importance of empathy and compassion, exemplified by the postmaster’s response, highlighting human kindness in unexpected situations. This story invites introspection about our responses to life’s trials and the interplay of faith, action, and empathy in navigating them.

12. In the story, the postmaster chooses to help Lencho, even though it goes beyond his professional duties. What values does this act of kindness represent, and how does it resonate with your own sense of compassion?

Answer- In the story, the postmaster’s help for Lencho shows kindness and understanding. It goes beyond his job, highlighting empathy and compassion. He helps because he cares, not because he has to. This shows belief in the goodness of helping those in need and brings people together. It reminds us that small acts of kindness matter a lot.

This act of helping Lencho is a universal example of compassion. When we see someone in trouble, we want to help, even if it’s not our job. It tells us that being kind is important and can make a big difference in someone’s life.

This fits with the bigger idea of empathy. It means we should care about others’ problems and not just do our job. Helping others is not just a duty, but a moral responsibility.

13. Lencho’s perception of God is central to the story. What does the story teach us about the role of faith in providing strength and hope during difficult times?

Answer- Lencho’s view of God in the story is a central theme that shows us how faith can be a source of strength and hope when things get tough. His strong belief in God gives him comfort and keeps him hopeful even after a big loss. This story reveals that faith can be a powerful force, helping people stay emotionally strong and resilient when facing difficult times.

It teaches us that for some people, faith isn’t just a belief; it’s a crucial way of coping with life’s problems. Lencho’s unwavering faith is like a guiding light that helps him face challenges with optimism. This story reminds us of how impactful faith can be, shaping a person’s mindset and their ability to handle life’s obstacles. It’s a powerful message about the role of faith in providing strength and hope, even in the toughest of times.

14. Reflecting on the story, do you think honesty and transparency are important values in interpersonal relationships? How do Lencho’s actions and beliefs relate to these values?

Answer- Honesty and transparency play important roles in how people connect with each other, and we can see these values in how Lencho behaves in the story. Lencho is straightforward about his situation, openly sharing his needs and beliefs. His deep faith in what he sees as God’s help shows that he’s sincere and clear in his thinking.

However, Lencho quickly thinks that the post office workers are being dishonest, which doesn’t match with his own honesty and trust in God. This shows that even though honesty and transparency are important, they can be influenced by a person’s beliefs and experiences.

So, the story subtly tells us that honesty and transparency are crucial in relationships, but they can be seen differently by different people based on their personal beliefs and experiences. It’s a reminder that our values are shaped by our individual perspectives.

15. The story highlights the theme of gratitude and suspicion. How do you perceive the importance of trust in both personal and societal contexts, and what can we learn from Lencho’s initial suspicion of the postmaster’s assistance?

Answer- The story talks about trust and how it’s linked to gratitude and suspicion, showing us that trust is crucial in both our personal lives and in society.

In our personal relationships, trust is like the foundation of a strong bond. It helps people support and understand each other better. In society at large, trust is what makes cooperation and togetherness possible.

Lencho, in the beginning, doesn’t fully trust the postmaster’s help. This part of the story teaches us that being overly suspicious can sometimes get in the way of genuine acts of kindness and support. It’s essential to be cautious, but too much suspicion can make us miss out on the goodness in others.

The story reminds us that trust is a delicate balance. We should stay cautious, but we also need to be open to kindness and support from people around us. Trust grows when we’re willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, and this helps build better relationships, both personally and in society. It’s a lesson in finding the right balance between being careful and having trust in others.

16. How does the story ‘A Letter to God’ challenge our conventional understanding of miracles, and what message does it convey about the nature of divine intervention in our lives?

Answer- The story challenges our conventional understanding of miracles by presenting a different perspective on divine intervention. Typically, miracles are seen as extraordinary events that defy natural laws. In this story, the “miracle” is not a supernatural occurrence but rather a simple act of human compassion and kindness by the postmaster. It challenges the idea that divine intervention must always be dramatic and awe-inspiring.

The message it conveys about the nature of divine intervention is that it can manifest in unexpected ways through the actions of ordinary people. It suggests that divine presence can be felt not only in grand, supernatural events but also in the everyday acts of empathy, support, and compassion that we extend to one another. In essence, the story reminds us that the divine can work through human hands and hearts, and that sometimes, the most profound miracles are the ones rooted in the goodness of humanity.

17. Consider the role of communication in the story, both in Lencho’s letter and the postmaster’s response. How does effective communication play a significant part in the development of the plot?

Answer- Effective communication plays a significant role in the story’s development, especially through Lencho’s letter and the postmaster’s response. Lencho’s letter is a direct and heartfelt plea for help, revealing his desperation and unwavering faith. It serves as the catalyst for the plot, setting the story in motion as it reaches the postmaster.

The postmaster’s response, while not a direct reply to Lencho’s request, is an act of communication that conveys empathy and support. It represents a bridge between Lencho’s faith and the practical world, illustrating the power of human connection and understanding.

Communication also highlights the contrast between Lencho’s belief in divine intervention and the postmaster’s compassionate, human response. It serves to underline the complexities of faith and kindness in the face of adversity. In essence, effective communication drives the narrative, bringing together faith and empathy, and shaping the story’s central themes of compassion and hope.

18. Analyze the impact of the natural disaster on Lencho’s life. What does the story suggest about the unpredictable nature of life and the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of adversity?

Answer- The natural disaster in the story has a significant impact on Lencho’s life. It devastates their crops, which are vital for their survival, thrusting them into a crisis. Lencho’s response of writing a letter to God reflects his desperation and unwavering faith during this trying time.

The story highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of adversity. It underscores the fact that life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and disasters can strike without warning. However, it also demonstrates the inner strength and determination of both Lencho and his community to persevere.

The postmaster’s empathetic response illustrates the power of human compassion and support in times of need. It emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to help one another overcome hardships. In essence, the story suggests that while life’s challenges may be unpredictable, the resilience of individuals and communities, coupled with acts of kindness, can help them weather even the most difficult storms.

19. If you were in Lencho’s position, would you have written a letter to God, and what would you have asked for? Reflect on the power of hope and belief in times of hardship.

Answer- If I were in Lencho’s shoes, I might pray to God for help, like he did. My prayers would depend on what I believe and my own experiences. I could ask for strength, guidance, or solutions to my problems.

Having hope and believing in difficult times is important. It can give comfort and purpose, helping us stay strong when things are tough. Even though we might ask for different things, turning to a higher power is something many of us do when we face challenges.

Besides praying, I’d also look for ways to make more money. I might find a part-time job or use my skills to earn extra income. I’d also use my savings to cover important expenses for a while.

To manage my money better, I’d cut down on spending. I’d be careful about what I buy and look for cheaper options. This way, I can make sure I have enough money to get through hard times.

In tough situations, I’d rely on a mix of prayer, finding extra income, using my savings, and watching my spending. These steps would help me face difficulties with hope and strength.

20. Explore the theme of trust in the story. How does Lencho’s initial mistrust of the postmaster’s actions contrast with his faith in God? What does this reveal about human nature and the complexity of belief systems?

Answer- So, in this story, trust is a big deal. It’s about believing in someone or something. And the cool thing is, our own beliefs can mess with that trust stuff.

Look at Lencho, for instance. At first, he doesn’t trust the postmaster, the guy helping him. But when it comes to God, he’s all in, no questions asked. It’s like he trusts God way more than he trusts people. Ever been skeptical when someone’s super nice out of nowhere? Lencho gets it.

This story wants us to see that trust isn’t black and white. It’s not like “trust everyone” or “trust no one.” Nope, it depends on who’s involved and what’s going on. Your own experiences and beliefs can totally mess with your trust levels.

Basically, trust is pretty complicated, this story tells us. It’s a mix of your personal experiences and what you believe in, and it affects how you see and deal with the world. So, don’t be surprised if your trust-meter goes up and down depending on what’s happening and who’s doing what. That’s just how us humans work.

Old Type of Questions. Basically these types of questions used to appear till 2022 but they are still useful for class 10 students for the chapter A Letter to God.

A Letter to God Long Question Answer English

By– G.L. Fuentes

1. Lencho received the money and a letter from God but still, he was not happy. Was it not in his attitude to be happy with what he achieved? Did he not know the pleasure of being grateful to others? Reflecting on the values required to lead a happy life, explain in about 100-120 words.

Ans. Lencho had full faith in God and hence, had written a letter to God asking for 100 pesos. But when he received the money and a letter from God, he was not happy. It was not his attitude to be happy with what he received, nor was he ungrateful to God. He was angry because he had received 70 pesos instead of 100. He did not doubt God for it. He wrote another letter to God asking him to send the rest of the money but not through the post-office as they were a bunch of crooks. This shows that Lencho had full faith in God and was confident that his desire would be fulfilled. It was Lencho’s innocent optimism that eventually led to his getting seventy pesos. Optimism and faith can lead to a happy life.

2. The postmaster represents such people who still believe in helping others mention those values of the postmaster which you would like to emulate in yourself. Write in 100-120 words.

Ans. The postmaster was a kind, generous, helpful, amiable and God-fearing man. He received a letter from Lencho which was written to God asking for 100 pesos so that he could sow his fields again. The postman felt sympathetic towards Lencho. He decided to help Lencho. He gave up a part of his salary and asked all other employees to help. Even friends were made to contribute for a cause of charity and he managed to collect 70 pesos. He sent the money to Lencho along with a reply. He did so in order to preserve the man’s faith in God. This shows the postmaster was a nice man at heart.

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3. “If you don’t help me, my family and I will go hungry this year.” Lencho had faith in God but he didn’t manage to solve the problem by himself. Did he lack the courage to resolve his matter himself? What values did he lack? Explain it in 100-120 words.

Ans. Lencho was a hardworking farmer. He was completely dependent upon the crops of his fields. His annual crop was completely destroyed due to heavy rains and hailstorm. In the entire village, there was no one to help him during the times of financial crisis. He had the firm belief in God and hence wrote a letter requesting Him to send 100 pesos so that he could sow his fields again till the next crop. This act did not prove that he lacked the courage to resolve his problem but shows that he did not have any option left for himself He had a firm belief in God. He was an ox of a man but lacked money to stand again.

4. Show Lencho’s faith and confidence in God with examples from the lesson.

Ans. Lencho had full faith in the help of God. The following sentences in the story tell us about it. ‘Lencho thought only of his one hope: `the help of God’, whose eyes, as he had been instructed, see everything, even what is deep in one’s conscience.’

Again, Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money in the envelope—such was his confidence. But he became angry when he counted the money. ‘God could not have made a mistake nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested. The above facts from the text prove his deep faith and confidence in God.

5. Give the character-sketch of Lencho.

“I wish I had the faith of the man.” Describe Lencho’s character in the light of the above statement.

Ans. Lencho was a hardworking farmer. He laboured like an ox. He had good knowledge of farming and knew his crop needed a downpour to give him good yield.

Lencho had great faith in God. He knew how to read and write. He wrote a letter to God for help when his crops were totally ruined by hailstones.

He was a simple and innocent farmer. He could not reason out things. He blamed the post-office employees for cheating him of 30 pesos and called them ‘A bunch of crooks’.

But Lencho was a caring head of the family. He got sad and worried that his family would have to go hungry.

6. Why did Lencho write a letter to God? Who received the letter and what did he do?

Ans. Lencho was a hard- farmer. He was expecting a good harvest. But unfortunately, a hail storm came and destroyed his crop completely. Now he had nothing to support the family. He had no money to purchase the seed for sowing. But he had a firm faith in God. He believed that God would help him. He was a simple man. He Wrote a letter to God. He asked God to send him a hundred pesos. He wanted this money in order to sow seed again and to live until the next harvest season.

Lencho went to the town and pasted the letter. At the post-office, a postman took out the letter from the letterbox. He read the address on it and had a good laugh. He showed the letter to the postmaster the postmaster was greatly impressed by the faith of Lencho. He did not want to shake Lencho’s faith in God. He collected money from his employees. He put this money into an envelope and addressed it to Lencho.

7.(i) What did the postmaster need to answer the letter? How did he collect it?

(ii) How did Lencho react to help?

Ans. (i) Lencho’s crop had been destroyed. He needed God’s help. So he wrote a letter to God. He posted the letter. At the post-office, a postman took the letter out of the letterbox. He laughed at reading the address. He showed the letter to the postmaster. The postmaster also laughed. But he praised Lencho’s firm faith in God. He did not want to shake this faith. He was very kind. He decided to help Lencho. He and the post-office employees collected some money. The postmaster gave a part of his salary. They put the money into an envelope and addressed it to Lencho.

(ii) The next Sunday Lencho came to the post-office. He asked if there was any letter for him. The postman gave him the envelope. Lencho opened the letter. He found that the money was less than what he had requested for. He thought that God could not have made a mistake. He wrote another letter to God. He asked God to send him the rest of the money. But he should not send it through the mail as the post-office employees were a bunch of crooks.

8. How do you think the postmaster felt when he received Lencho’s second letter? What do you think he did?

Ans. When Lencho opened the letter, he found only seventy pesos in it. He thought that God could not make a mistake. Perhaps the post office employees had cheated him. He wrote another letter to God. He wrote that the post office employees were a bunch of crooks. The story does not tell us what the postmaster felt when he received the second letter. Perhaps he felt shocked. It is possible that he realized that sometimes even good intentions are misunderstood. I think he met Lencho and explained everything to him. He told him that the post-office employees were not a bunch of crooks. In fact, they were kind and helpful. They had collected money to help him.

9. Write the story of Lencho’s faith in God.

Write a brief summary of the story ‘A Letter to God’.

Ans. Lencho was a simple farmer. He was very hard-working. But one year, his harvest was completely destroyed by the hailstorm. He had firm faith in God. He wrote a letter to God asking for a hundred pesos. The postmaster saw the letter. He decided to help Lencho. He collected money from his employees. He gave some part of his own salary also. But the money was less than what Lencho had asked for. The postmaster put the money into an envelope and addressed it to Lencho. Next Sunday Lencho came to collect his letter. When he counted the money he became angry. He wrote another letter to God. He asked God to send him the rest of the money. But he asked God not to send the money through the mail as the employees of the post-office were a bunch of crooks.

10. Lencho described the post-office employees as a ‘bunch of crooks’. Were they really a bunch of crooks? How would you describe them?

Ans. A crook is a person who cheats others. He earns his living by dishonest means. Lencho requested God for a hundred pesos. He received a letter in the mail. When he opened it he found seventy pesos in it. He thought that the post-office employees had taken the rest of thirty pesos. So he called them a bunch of crooks. But in fact, they were kind and generous people. They did not want to shake Lencho ‘s faith in God. So they raised money to help him. But they could not raise a hundred pesos. So they put seventy pesos in an envelope and addressed it to Lencho. The post-office employees were good people. They did an act of kindness and Charity. It was wrong for Lencho to call them a bunch of crooks

11. Why did Lencho need God’s help?

Ans. Lencho was a simple farmer. He was very hard-working. His crops had always been good. One year, he wished that there should be some rain so that his crop would be better. Lencho was sure that the rain would come. In the evening it started raining. But soon the rain changed into a hailstorm. The hails fell on the house, the garden, the hillside and the corn-field. The field looked white as if it had been covered with salt. No leaves were left on the trees. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho’s crop was completely destroyed. His heart was filled with sorrow. But he had faith in God. He was sure that God would help him. He wanted God’s help for sowing seed and for living until the next harvest.

12. Describe Lencho as a farmer. How did the rain gladden his heart but the heavy hailstones that followed left him a worried man?

Ans. Lencho was a farmer who lived in a house that was on the top of a small hill. From that height, he could see the river and its fields. Lencho was an ‘ox’ of a man. He was strong and worked as an animal in his fields. The only thing the earth and the fields needed was heavy rain. At least, a shower was very necessary. Lencho’s older boys were working in the field. He could see huge mountains of clouds in the north-east. It gladdened his heart. As predicted by him, big drops of rains began to fall. The raindrops were like ‘new coins’.

Unfortunately, Lencho’s happiness was short lived. Suddenly a strong wind began to blow. Along with the rain, very large hailstones began to fall. Within an hour the house, the garden, the hillside and the fields were covered with a white sheet of hailstones. The leaves, trees and the flowers were destroyed. The hail had left nothing. The corn was totally destroyed. That year they would have no corn. They would survive on the mercy of God. All such dismal prospects worried Lencho.

13. What circumstances made Lencho write a letter to God? What does this act show about him?

Ans. The rain did come but came with disastrous hailstones that ruined everything. The leaves, plants and flowers were ruined. The corn was totally destroyed. The hail had left nothing. That year Lencho and his family would have no corn. They would be on the verge of starvation. All such dismal prospects worried Lencho. There was only one hope— help from God.

Lencho and his wife were highly religious and had an unshaken faith in God. They believed in God’s mercy and also believed that ‘no one dies of hunger’. So, Lencho decided to write a letter to God. He wrote that he needed immediate help. He wrote that without God’s help his family would face starvation. He needed a hundred pesos in order to sow his fields and live until the fresh crop coming. He wrote the letter and wrote ‘To God’ on the envelope and dropped it into the mailbox.

14. Writing a letter to God for help really shows not only the unshaken faith in God of the writer Lencho but also shows his utter simplicity and innocence. Comment.

Ans. Lencho was a simple and hardworking farmer who worked like an ox in his fields. When the heavy fall of hailstones destroyed his corn totally, he and his family were rather on the verge of starvation. He was left with one hope, help from God. He believed that God is all merciful and hears the call of those who are of a clear conscience. He requested Him to send a hundred pesos immediately to help him to sow his fields. He and his family also needed some money to live on until the fresh crop coming.

Writing a letter to God and addressing it `To God’ shows the writer’s unshaken faith in God. He was a simple man not distrusting that such a letter could reach God. His innocence and firm belief in God’s mercy even deeply impressed and influenced the postmaster who decided to answer his letter. He didn’t want to shake the writer’s faith in God. He collected and sent 70 pesos as help signing the letter with one word, ‘God’. Lencho had so much faith in God and His mercy that he didn’t show any surprise when he received the money sent to him. He wrote another letter requesting Him to send the rest of the money immediately but not through the postal mail as the post office employees was a ‘bunch of crooks’.

15. Why did the postmaster and his employees decide to help Lencho? Was their effort appreciated by the receiver of that help?

Ans. Lencho was a simple-hearted farmer who had tremendous faith in God. The heavy hailstones destroyed his corn. There was only one hope — help from God. So, Lencho wrote a letter to God describing his and his family’s miserable condition. He requested for a hundred pesos to help in sowing the crop and living till the next crop came. The postmaster himself, a generous man, first laughed at the idea of Lencho’s having a correspondence with God. However, he soon became serious. He was highly impressed by Lencho’s unshaken faith in God. He didn’t want to break his faith in God. So he decided to answer the letter and help Lencho. He needed something more than goodwill. He asked his employees to collect money for this cause. He also contributed a part of his salary. All in all, they collected 70 pesos. The postmaster put the money in an envelope and mailed it to Lencho. He wrote a single word as a signature, God. Ironically, this noble act of charity by the postmaster and employees was not appreciated by Lencho. On the contrary, he called them ‘a bunch of crooks’ who embezzled the remaining 30 pesos. He never knew who were the real helpers. He only wrote God not to send the remaining 30 pesos through the mail as the post office employees were a ‘bunch of crooks’.

16. Who does Lencho think has taken the rest of the money? Describe the ironical ending of the story.

Ans. Lencho’s faith in God was complete and unshaken. When he lost all hopes, he looked towards God for help. And he was sure that God would come to the help of a simple man of clear conscience like him. So, when he saw the money, he was not at all surprised as he had been waiting for it. But when he counted the money, he became angry. He was sure that someone had stolen thirty pesos out of the hundred sent by God. Who could be they except the employees at the post office? Therefore, he wrote a second letter to God to send him the rest of the money immediately. He asked Him not to send the money through the mail as the post office employees were a ‘bunch of crooks.’

The situation at the end becomes quite ironical. It is ironical that men who collected pesos to help Lencho were called `a bunch of crooks, by him. He couldn’t know till the end who had really sent that money.

17. Draw a character sketch of Lencho, the farmer in about 120-150 words.

Ans. Lencho was a simple man as farmers usually are everywhere. He was a man of limited means and earned his living by farming his fields. His older sons helped him in farming activities. His wife did the same but also managed the kitchen and other household works. Lencho was highly religious. So was his wife. He had an unshaken faith in God. He believed that God always helps people with a clear conscience. Therefore, when he lost all hopes and he and his family were on the verge of starvation, he looked towards God for help. His deep faith in God even impressed the postmaster who decided to help him. He was strong and sturdy like an ox. Not only that, he worked day and night in the fields. Being a farmer, he had a deep knowledge about the weather, the winds and the rains of his region.

He was simple-hearted. He was rustic inhabit and thoughts. He was a little educated to write a letter. He shows his innocence by trying to have a correspondence with God directly. He wrote ‘To God’ on the top of the envelope and posted the letter into the mail-box.

While he had an unshaken faith in God, he mistrusted easily the motives of men. He could never know and nor did he ever try to know who had sent him those seventy pesos to help him. It is quite ironical that he abused his helpers by calling them ‘a bunch of crooks’.

18. Give a character sketch of the Postmaster in your own words. Don’t you think that he should have deserved a better recognition and appreciation of his act of charity?

Ans. It takes all kinds of people to make this world. The postmaster has all that is good in human thinking and behaviour. He has a thorough understanding of a sharp, sympathetic and sensitive mind. He knows how the mind of a God fearing rustic like Lencho works. He is sensitive and sympathetic to human feelings. He doesn’t want to break the deep faith of the writer in God. The fat and friendly postmaster had a large heart too. First, he laughed at the man who wanted to have a direct correspondence with God. But he soon became serious. After reading the letter, he was deeply moved and impressed by Lencho’s faith in God.

He knew that merely goodwill was not sufficient. The farmer needed financial help. So he collected a sum of 70 pesos from his employees. He also contributed a part of his salary. He did so as to keep Lencho’s faith in God. He wrote a single word as a signature: God.

It is ironical that a simpleton like Lencho could never know his real benefactor. Nor did he ever try to know how and from whom he received those seventy pesos. Naturally, his work of charity deserved better recognition and appreciation from the receiver. Ironically, the postmaster and his employees who had sent seventy pesos were called ‘a bunch of crooks’ by Lencho.

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