Author: G.L. Fuentes (translated from Spanish)
Introduction
"A Letter to God" is the first chapter in the NCERT Class 10 English textbook · First Flight · . Written by Mexican author G.L. Fuentes, this short story beautifully portrays the unshakeable faith of a simple farmer named Lencho. The story is both touching and gently ironic — it shows how deep belief can make a person see the world in a uniquely simple way.
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Key Concepts and Characters
Lencho: The central character, a hardworking farmer who lives on a hilltop. He has complete, child-like faith in God. He is simple, honest, and deeply religious.
The Postmaster: A kind, generous man who is moved by Lencho's letter. He collects money from his employees and donates his own salary to help Lencho. He represents human compassion.
The Post Office employees: They help the postmaster gather funds for Lencho.
Setting: A small, remote farmhouse on the crest of a low hill, during the time just before and after a devastating hailstorm.
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Plot Summary
Example 1: The Hopeful Beginning
Lencho surveys his field of ripe corn. He expects rain, which he calls "a shower of coins" because it will ensure a good harvest. His family joins him as clouds appear on the horizon.
Example 2: The Devastating Storm
Suddenly, large hailstones begin to fall. Within an hour, the corn is completely destroyed. Lencho's soul is filled with sorrow. He says, "A plague of locusts would have left more." His only hope is God.
Example 3: The Extraordinary Letter
With firm faith, Lencho writes a letter addressed simply "To God." He asks for 100 pesos to sow his fields again and to survive until the next harvest. He walks to the post office and drops the letter into the mailbox.
Example 4: The Postmaster's Reaction
When the postmaster reads the letter, he first laughs but then is moved by the writer's faith. He decides to collect money and send it to Lencho so that his faith in God remains unbroken. He and his employees manage to gather only 70 pesos.
Example 5: Lencho Receives the Money
Lencho is not surprised when he receives the envelope — he was certain God would help. But when he counts the money, he is angry. He writes a second letter to God, saying the post office employees must have stolen the remaining 30 pesos. He asks God to send the rest but warns, "Do not send it through the mail because the post office employees are a bunch of crooks."
Example 6: Dramatic Irony
The story ends with dramatic irony. The very people who helped Lencho — the postmaster and his employees — are called "crooks" by him. The reader understands that Lencho's absolute faith in God blinds him to the human kindness shown to him.
- Example 7: Themes of the Story
- Faith: Lencho's unwavering belief in God is the driving force of the entire story.
- Irony: The helpers are accused of theft by the very person they helped.
- Compassion: The postmaster goes out of his way to protect a stranger's faith.
- Simple worldview: Lencho cannot imagine that God could be imperfect, so humans must be the cause of any shortfall.
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Key Literary Devices
Dramatic Irony — The reader knows who sent the money; Lencho does not.
Metaphor — Lencho calls the expected rain "a shower of coins."
Characterisation — Lencho is portrayed as a man of unshakeable but naive faith.
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Common mistakes
> Students often confuse the theme of the story. The story does NOT mock faith; it celebrates human kindness while gently showing how blind faith can prevent a person from recognising that kindness. Also, note that the postmaster sends only 70 pesos, not 100 — this is a key plot detail for MCQs.
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Summary
"A Letter to God" is a story of faith, irony, and human compassion. Lencho's belief in God is so pure that he never doubts a divine response to his letter. The postmaster's selfless act goes unrecognised because Lencho cannot conceive that the missing 30 pesos could have been a human limitation rather than theft. The story leaves the reader with a smile and a reflection on the many forms that faith and kindness can take.