Dive Deep into ‘A Letter to God’: Comprehensive NCERT Study Guide for Class X CBSE and RBSE Students

A Letter to God: A Comprehensive Guide for First Flight in Class X

Introduction:

“A Letter to God” by G.L. Fuentes is a poignant short story from the textbook “First Flight” for Class X. It tells the tale of Lencho, a poor farmer whose unwavering faith in God is tested when his crops are destroyed by a hailstorm. Through his journey, the story explores themes of hope, hardship, and the nature of faith.

Short Form:

• Title: A Letter to God
• Author: G.L. Fuentes
• Genre: Short story
• Themes: Faith, hope, hardship, poverty, human resilience, divine intervention

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Desolation (n.): Extreme loneliness and hopelessness
• Placid (adj.): Calm and peaceful
• Torrent (n.): A fast-flowing stream of water
• Impious (adj.): Lacking respect for God or religion
• Consecrated (adj.): Made holy or dedicated to God

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What is the primary reason for Lencho’s devastation after the hailstorm? a) The loss of his house b) The destruction of his crops c) The injury of his family d) The anger of his neighbors

Answer: (b)

2. What does Lencho write in his letter to God? a) A request for blessings b) A complaint about his misfortune c) A prayer for good health d) A description of his land

Answer: (b)

3. How does the postmaster react to Lencho’s letter? a) With amusement b) With disbelief c) With sympathy d) With anger

Answer: (c)

4. What does the postmaster do with the money collected for Lencho? a) Keep it for himself b) Send it to the government c) Give it directly to Lencho d) Use it to help the needy

Answer: (d)

5. How does Lencho react to receiving the money? a) With gratitude and satisfaction b) With suspicion and disappointment c) With anger and resentment d) With confusion and disbelief

Answer: (b)

Short Answer Type Questions (10-20 words):

1. What kind of farmer is Lencho? (Diligent, hopeful)
2. What destroys Lencho’s crops? (Hailstorm)
3. What does Lencho ask God for in his letter? (Money to buy seeds)
4. Who intercepts Lencho’s letter? (Postmaster)
5. Why does the postmaster decide to help Lencho? (Touched by his faith)
6. What does Lencho suspect has happened to the money? (Stolen)
7. What message does the story convey about faith? (Importance of unwavering belief)

General Question (40-60 words):

How does the author utilize literary devices like irony and juxtaposition in “A Letter to God” to effectively explore the themes of faith and hardship?

Answer: The irony of Lencho’s unwavering faith amidst his devastation highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Juxtaposing the simplicity of his request with the complexity of human nature and societal issues like poverty adds depth to the story and encourages readers to contemplate the true meaning of faith and compassion.

Long Question (80-100 words):

Discuss the significance of the ending of “A Letter to God” in relation to the story’s central themes. Does it offer a definitive answer about the existence of divine intervention, or does it leave room for interpretation? Explain your answer.

Answer: The ambiguous ending, where Lencho remains suspicious of the source of the money, leaves room for interpretation. While some may see it as evidence of divine intervention, others might question the motives of the postmaster and consider it a gesture of human kindness. This ambiguity reflects the story’s central theme of navigating faith amidst hardship. It allows readers to draw their own conclusions about the existence of divine intervention and the importance of human compassion in the face of adversity.

Long Questions and Answers for A Letter to God:

1. What are the limitations of Lencho’s faith as portrayed in the story? Does his suspicion towards the source of the money undermine the value of his faith? Explain your answer.

Answer: While Lencho demonstrates unwavering faith in God’s ability to help him, his suspicion towards the money’s source reveals the limitations of his childlike understanding of divine intervention. He expects a direct response from God, not human kindness. This suspicion doesn’t undermine the value of his faith, as it shows the complexity of how humans grapple with hardship and hope in the face of the unknown. It highlights the human tendency to seek concrete explanations for events, even when faced with unexpected generosity.

2. Analyze the role of the postmaster in the story. Is he simply a benevolent figure, or does his act of compassion raise questions about social responsibility and societal structures? Explain.

Answer: The postmaster’s role is multifaceted. He initially laughs at Lencho’s letter, showcasing the imperfections of human nature and societal structures that often fail to empathize with the marginalized. However, his subsequent act of compassion transcends these limitations, prompting readers to question the responsibility of individuals within social structures to alleviate suffering. The postmaster’s decision also raises questions about the true source of help and support, whether it comes directly from divine intervention or through the actions of ordinary people.

3. The story leaves the nature of divine intervention ambiguous. Do you think Lencho ultimately receives help from God, or is the postmaster’s action the source of the resolution? Justify your answer using textual evidence.

Answer: The story deliberately keeps the source of the money ambiguous, offering space for multiple interpretations. On one hand, Lencho’s unwavering faith throughout the ordeal points towards the possibility of divine intervention. The timing of the money’s arrival coinciding with his prayer could be seen as an answer to his plea. However, the postmaster’s direct involvement challenges this interpretation. The use of personal money and the anonymous delivery suggest a human source. Ultimately, the story leaves it up to the reader to decide whether they believe in a direct divine response or attribute the resolution to the compassionate actions of a fellow human being.

4. Compare and contrast the theme of hope in “A Letter to God” and another story or poem in “First Flight” textbook. How do these different texts explore the concept of hope in the face of adversity?

Answer: Analyzing hope in “A Letter to God” could be compared to “Dust of Snow” by Robert Frost. Both stories grapple with the fragility of hope amidst difficult circumstances. In “A Letter to God,” Lencho’s unwavering faith sustains his hope through a devastating hailstorm, emphasizing the power of belief to overcome hardship. In “Dust of Snow,” the speaker finds renewed hope in the simple act of helping a stranded bird, suggesting that hope can be found in unexpected moments of kindness and connection with nature. These contrasting works showcase the multifaceted nature of hope and its role in sustaining human resilience against adversity.

5. The story raises questions about poverty and social inequality. How does the portrayal of Lencho’s character and his struggle highlight these issues? What message does the story convey about the role of community and societal responsibility in addressing these challenges?

Answer: Lencho’s poverty is central to the story, driving his initial plea to God and shaping his experience with the hailstorm. His plight highlights the vulnerability of marginalized communities dependent on the land and the harsh realities of social inequality that leave them susceptible to economic hardship. The story’s message lies in the postmaster’s decision to act with compassion, suggesting that addressing poverty requires more than individual prayers. It emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in building a more just and equitable society where everyone has a chance to thrive.