A Letter to God
Short Answer Questions (30-40 words)
1. Why did Lencho write a letter to God?
Lencho’s crops were destroyed by a hailstorm, leaving his family facing starvation. In his
deep faith in God, he wrote a letter asking for 100 pesos to buy seeds and sustain his family.
2. How did the postmaster respond to Lencho’s letter?
The postmaster admired Lencho’s faith in God and decided to help. He collected money from
his colleagues, added some from his own pocket, and sent it to Lencho as if it were from
God.
3. What was Lencho’s reaction upon receiving the money?
Lencho was not surprised to receive the money, as he believed God had sent it. However, he
was angry because the amount was less than what he requested. He thought the post office
employees had stolen the rest.
4. Why does the story highlight Lencho’s faith?
The story highlights Lencho’s unwavering faith in God, which contrasts with the skepticism
of the post office employees. His innocence and blind trust in divine intervention form the
central theme of the story.
5. What moral lesson does the story convey?
The story teaches the value of faith, kindness, and humanity. It also portrays the irony of life,
where Lencho, a man of faith, suspects the very people who helped him.
Long Answer Questions (100-120 words)
1. Describe Lencho’s character in the story A Letter to God.
Lencho is portrayed as a simple, hardworking farmer deeply connected to nature. He depends
entirely on his crops for survival. When a hailstorm destroys his fields, he turns to God,
showcasing his unwavering faith. Despite being poor and uneducated, Lencho’s trust in
divine power is inspiring. However, his character also reveals his naivety when he assumes
the post office employees have stolen part of the money. Lencho’s innocence and single-
minded belief in God highlight the contrast between faith and skepticism, making him a
memorable character.
2. How does the postmaster play a significant role in the story?
The postmaster is a pivotal character who embodies kindness and empathy. Initially amused
by Lencho’s letter, he is moved by the farmer’s faith and decides to help. He organizes a
collection, contributes personally, and sends the money to Lencho in the guise of a reply from
God. His actions underscore the theme of selfless humanity. However, his efforts remain
unacknowledged, as Lencho mistakenly accuses him and his colleagues of theft. The
postmaster’s character adds depth to the story by contrasting Lencho’s blind faith with human
generosity and the irony of misunderstanding.
3. What is the irony in the story A Letter to God?
The irony lies in Lencho’s reaction to the help he receives. He prays to God for 100 pesos
and is overjoyed to receive a response. However, when he finds only 70 pesos, he assumes
the remaining amount was stolen by the post office employees, who were, in fact, the ones
who contributed the money. This misunderstanding underscores the theme of blind faith and
human kindness while adding a humorous yet poignant twist to the story.
4. Discuss the central theme of the story A Letter to God.
The central theme of A Letter to God is faith in divine power and the irony of human
perceptions. Lencho’s unshakable belief in God drives him to write a letter asking for
financial help. The story also highlights human kindness, as the postmaster and his colleagues
help Lencho anonymously. However, Lencho’s lack of trust in fellow humans creates an
ironic twist, where he doubts the very people who assist him. The story emphasizes the
coexistence of faith, irony, and humanity in life.
5. What message does Gregorio López convey through A Letter to God?
Through A Letter to God, the author conveys the importance of faith, hope, and altruism.
Lencho’s belief in God inspires the postmaster and his colleagues to act selflessly. However,
the story also critiques the blind faith that overlooks human kindness. It emphasizes that
humanity is capable of extraordinary acts of generosity and that trust in fellow beings is just
as important as faith in God.
