A Letter to God
NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 1: A Letter to God (Pages 1–16)
Summary of A Letter to God
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A Letter to God at a Glance
CBSE
Class 10
English
Words and Expressions - II
1
1–16
6 study resources
A Letter to God Summary
Lencho, a farmer, lives with his family in a small house in a valley. His life revolves around the crops he grows, which he depends on for his family's survival. One year, Lencho eagerly awaits the rains, knowing they are critical for his corn harvest. When the rains finally arrive, they are accompanied by a fierce hailstorm that devastates his entire crop. Feeling hopeless and desperate, Lencho turns to God for help. He decides to write a letter to God, asking for a hundred pesos to replant his field and provide for his family until the next crop is ready. This act of faith shows his unshakeable belief in divine intervention. Lencho addresses the letter simply to 'God' and posts it. The local postman, amused by the letter, shares it with the postmaster, who is struck by Lencho's faith. After reading the letter, the postmaster, moved by Lencho's sincerity and trust, decides to help him by collecting money from his colleagues. They manage to raise seventy pesos, which the postmaster sends to Lencho. When Lencho receives the money, he is grateful but also suspicious. He counts the money and finds it is not the full amount he requested. Believing the post office staff has cheated him, he writes another letter to God expressing his disappointment that the people at the post office are 'crooks' for not sending the entire amount. This reaction highlights the depth of Lencho's faith in God and his disillusionment with the human condition. The story concludes by emphasizing the themes of faith, trust, and the sometimes harsh realities of life. Lencho's faith in God remains steadfast, even when he feels betrayed by the people around him. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on their beliefs and the power of hope in overcoming challenges.
What you will learn in this chapter
- Faith — Complete trust or confidence in God.
- Despair — The state of losing hope due to disastrous circumstances.
- Compassion — Sympathy and concern for the sufferings of others.
A Letter to God key concepts
Faith
Complete trust or confidence in God.
Despair
The state of losing hope due to disastrous circumstances.
Compassion
Sympathy and concern for the sufferings of others.
Important topics in A Letter to God
- 1.Lencho predicted rain, but the hailstorm ruined his crops completely.
- 2.He asked for a hundred pesos to recover from the loss of his crops.
- 3.The postmaster and colleagues sent him seventy pesos.
- 4.Lencho thought the money was tampered with while blaming post office workers.
- 5.The story reflects themes of faith, trust, and simple morality.
- 6.Lencho demonstrates innocence and naivety throughout his experiences.
- 7.The story showcases the contrast between divine faith and human actions.
A Letter to God syllabus breakdown
Introduction to Lencho
Lencho is depicted as a determined farmer who places immense faith in divine help after facing hardship.
The Hailstorm
The hailstorm strikes unexpectedly, destroying Lencho’s crops and leaving him in a state of despair and helplessness.
Lencho's Faith
Lencho's unwavering conviction in God is a central theme, showcasing his innocence and simplicity despite the challenges he faces.
The Letter to God
Lencho's act of writing a letter to God requesting help highlights his belief in divine intervention as a solution to his problems.
Responses from the Post Office
The postman's reaction to Lencho's letter reflects both amusement and surprise at the farmer's faith, leading to an act of kindness from the postmaster.
The Money Sent
The postmaster and his colleagues gather money to send Lencho as a response to his plea, illustrating human compassion.
Lencho's Reaction
Upon receiving the money, Lencho's disappointment at the shortfall results in blaming the post office, demonstrating his simplistic view of faith and morality.
