A Letter to God — Class 10: Summary, Explanation & Word Meanings
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Master A Letter to God Class 10 summary, explanation and word meanings to improve comprehension, exam answers and vocabulary with clear notes and examples.
A Letter to God — Summary, Explanation and Word Meanings (Class 10)
Introduction
“A Letter to God,” written by G.L. Fuentes and included in the Class 10 English textbook ‘First Flight’, unfolds in a rural farming village and revolves around a simple farmer’s experience of devastating crop loss caused by a hailstorm. The story gently examines powerful themes like faith, innocence, and how ordinary people respond to hardship. For Indian students, this lesson not only imparts crucial values about hope and gratitude but also strengthens comprehension skills and expands vocabulary, all of which are essential for academic performance and real-life communication.Background and Setting
This narrative is set in a quiet village, much like the many found throughout India, where agriculture is the backbone of families’ survival. The land is the community’s lifeblood, and its fortunes are intimately tied to the seasonal rains. The story opens during a buoyant period: the main character, a devoted farmer, is looking eagerly at his fields, anticipating a rich harvest that will support his family. However, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when an unexpected hailstorm sweeps in, leaving complete destruction in its wake. The setting is crucial to the plot — it highlights just how precarious the farmer’s situation becomes when nature turns unfriendly, mirroring the vulnerability of millions of Indian farmers reliant on the monsoon.Plot Summary
At the heart of the story stands Lencho, a hard-working farmer, hopeful as dark clouds gather above his fields. The arrival of rain is greeted with joy — it promises prosperity for his bumper crop of corn. This optimistic mood is familiar across Indian villages, where a good harvest means safety and happiness.Sudden misfortune, however, crashes upon this scene. The rain abruptly transforms into a fierce hailstorm, ravaging the entire crop. Lencho and his family watch helplessly as their months of labour are wiped out in minutes. The destruction of the harvest isn’t just an economic blow; it poses a threat to his family’s very survival, echoing the anxiety felt by farmers nationwide when natural calamities strike.
Faced with total loss, Lencho displays an extraordinary act of faith. Convinced that only God can rescue him, he writes a heartfelt letter directly to God, pleading for a hundred pesos to tide over the crisis. Posting this unusual letter at the village post office, he trusts completely in divine intervention.
The letter, however, lands in the hands of the kindly postmaster. Initially amused, the postmaster is quickly touched by Lencho’s unwavering belief. Eager to preserve this man’s faith, he rallies his staff and other villagers to contribute whatever they can, secretly collecting a sum close to what Lencho requested. The collected money is placed in an envelope and sent to Lencho, signed ‘God.’
When Lencho receives the envelope, he is initially glad, but soon notices the amount is less than what he had asked for — only seventy pesos instead of one hundred. Firm in his belief that God cannot make mistakes, Lencho presumes that someone in the post office must have stolen the remainder. Deeply trusting God but suspicious of fellow humans, he writes a second letter, this time complaining about “those crooks at the post office.”
The ending is steeped in irony. While Lencho’s faith motivates compassion among others, his innocence blinds him to the true source of help, causing an unintended insult to his benefactors. When attempting a summary in examinations, students should sequence the events in the order they occur and avoid unimportant side details.
Character Sketch
Lencho (The Farmer)
Lencho is introduced as a sturdy, honest farmer whose life revolves around his land and family. His devotion to farming is evident from the opening lines, describing him surveying his field with a hopeful heart. Several qualities mark Lencho: he is hardworking, simple, and possesses a childlike trust in the almighty. His letter to God shows a belief so strong that he never doubts he will receive help. At the same time, Lencho is naive about human nature, suspecting others instead of recognising their kindness. For example, his sunburnt face and rough hands (as described in the story) and his trusting act to write to God are clear evidences of his character.Lencho’s Family
Though not central to the plot, Lencho’s wife and children form a crucial background presence. They symbolise what is at stake — the future and sustenance of the family. Their involvement increases the urgency of Lencho’s actions after the crop disaster and reminds readers of the common Indian family structure, in which every harvest affects multiple generations.The Postmaster and Post Office Staff
The postmaster is both practical and compassionate. He first laughs at Lencho’s letter but quickly feels inspired by such absolute faith. He and his junior staff become instruments of kindness, quietly raising as much money as possible. Their response highlights the latent goodness in society and offers a subtle critique: despite their best intentions, their generosity is misunderstood by the one they help.Minor Roles
While not given much attention, other staff at the post office and perhaps some villagers participate in raising the money, depicting the collective compassion that still exists in many Indian communities.Themes and Central Ideas
Faith and Belief
Faith is the central pillar of the story. Lencho’s unquestioning trust in God shapes every decision he makes, from writing the letter to refusing to doubt God’s intentions even when the money falls short. The story offers a discussion point: faith can move mountains, but belief without wisdom can also lead to misunderstanding.Innocence and Simplicity
Lencho is painted as a man with a pure, trusting soul, almost childlike in his actions. This innocence is both a strength (inspiring help) and a flaw (making him suspicious and unable to appreciate human effort).Human Kindness vs. Suspicion
The anonymous help from post office workers is an example of the innate compassion that people are capable of. Yet, Lencho’s response shows how even good deeds can be mistaken when viewed through suspicion. The story gently teaches students that gratitude and trust in people are as important as faith in God.Irony and Social Commentary
The bitter irony at the end — that Lencho trusts God but not those around him — is a subtle warning not to overlook human goodness. Just as in Indian folk tales or Premchand’s rural stories, appearances can deceive, and true help often comes in unexpected forms.Relevance for Students
Themes such as empathy, gratitude, and critical analysis of situations are vital for young learners preparing for a world where both faith and practical sense are needed.Literary Devices and Style
The story’s tone is gentle and often lightly humorous, portraying Lencho’s faith without mocking it. Fuentes uses third-person narration, lending the story an objective, almost fable-like quality — much like stories Indian grandparents often narrate to teach a moral lesson. Imagery plays a vital role: the descriptive passages about the rain turning into destructive hail anchor the mood change from hope to despair.Irony is the crowning device. The story’s central ironic twist — Lencho’s misreading of genuine help as dishonesty — drives home the message. The author’s choice of simple language and straightforward sentences replicates the rural cadence, making the story accessible to students and reflecting the protagonist’s own simplicity.
How to Approach Line-by-Line Explanations (Study Tip)
A practical exam strategy: - Read each paragraph carefully, identifying its main purpose. - Underline phrases depicting emotion (e.g., “Lencho’s soul was filled with sadness”). - Note shifts in mood, such as the change from hope to despair when hail falls. - Write brief summaries and note their significance — this helps consolidate understanding. - Annotate as you go, with one or two-word notes in the margins like “faith” or “irony”.Important Word Meanings
- hail (noun): balls of ice falling during a storm. ("The hail destroyed the standing wheat.") - crop (noun): harvest grown by a farmer. ("Farmers celebrate after a good crop.") - envelope (noun): paper cover for a letter. ("I put my friend’s birthday card in an envelope.") - postmaster (noun): head of a post office. ("The postmaster read the letter, surprised.") - charity (noun): help or aid given freely. ("Students collected clothes as a charity drive.") - pesos (noun): type of currency. ("Lencho wrote, asking for one hundred pesos.") - naive (adj): childishly trusting. ("His naive nature led him to write to God directly.") - grin (noun/verb): broad smile. ("There was a grin on the postmaster’s face.") - astonished (adj): extremely surprised. ("He was astonished by Lencho’s faith.") - suspicion (noun): doubt about honesty. ("Lencho looked at the envelope with suspicion.") - despair (noun): loss of hope. ("Despair filled Lencho after the hailstorm.") - anguish (noun): deep pain, emotional or physical. ("He felt anguish at his loss.")Vocabulary Tip: Make regular flashcards, use new words in sentences about daily or school life, and group them by themes (weather, emotions, etc.).
Sample Exam Answers
Short Summary (30–40 words)
Lencho, a poor farmer, loses his crop to a hailstorm and writes to God for help. The postmaster and his staff raise money for him, but Lencho believes some is stolen and blames the post office, missing their kindness.Concise Summary (100–120 words)
In a small farming village, Lencho looks forward to a bumper crop but loses everything to a devastating hailstorm. Hoping for help, he writes a letter to God asking for one hundred pesos. Moved by Lencho’s faith, the postmaster and other staff secretly collect money and send it to him. On receiving only seventy pesos, Lencho believes the post office workers have stolen the rest. The story highlights themes of faith, innocence, and the irony of unrecognised human goodwill. It teaches readers the importance of hope, gratitude, and looking beyond appearances.Detailed Summary and Analysis (200–250 words)
Set against the backdrop of a rural farming community, “A Letter to God” follows Lencho, an honest farmer whose harvest is destroyed by an unexpected hailstorm. Facing ruin, he writes a letter to God, confidently asking for one hundred pesos to support his family. The village postmaster is surprised but touched by Lencho’s faith and mobilises his staff to collect as much money as possible. Though they manage only seventy pesos, they send it to Lencho anonymously. Lencho’s reaction is ironical: instead of feeling grateful, he believes “the post office employees are crooks” who must have kept the rest of the money. Through simple language, vivid imagery, and strong irony, the story explores faith, gratitude, and the complexities of human perception. Its message is timeless and relevant today: compassion and empathy should be recognised, and blind faith must not hinder trust in our fellow humans.Common Exam Questions and Approaches
- Summary of the story – Stick to chronological order; focus on the main incident and resolution. - Character sketch of Lencho – Use two key traits and support with incidents (e.g., faith: writing to God; naivety: suspecting the post office). - Reaction of the postmaster – Outline shift from amusement to empathy, generosity, and disappointment at being misunderstood. - Message of the story – Emphasise faith in both divine and human goodness; underline the necessity of gratitude.Time Tip: Plan answers briefly, write them steadily, and always spend a minute checking for errors.
Analysis of the Ending and Moral
The ending stands out for its sharp irony: Lencho’s unshakeable faith in God blinds him to the kindness of people around him. A sympathetic reading sees it as a testament to human innocence and the selflessness of the postmaster; a more critical view warns of the dangers of blind trust that refuses to recognise real help. In today’s context, as seen during charitable donations for flood relief or COVID-19 support, the story calls for gratitude and careful judgement when receiving aid.Writing and Presentation Tips
- Use clear, simple sentences and state your points directly. - Answer with evidence from the text — quote or paraphrase a key moment. - Introduce, explain, and conclude answers neatly; underline main points and check spellings, especially of key words like “postmaster” and “envelope.”Follow-up Activities
- Role-play: Enact the post office scene to understand emotions. - Alternate ending: Write Lencho’s or the postmaster’s thoughts. - Diary entry: Imagine Lencho expressing his gratitude or frustration. - Vocabulary quizzes and thematic debates in small groups.Conclusion
In essence, “A Letter to God” transforms an ordinary incident into a thought-provoking tale about the power of faith, the invisibility of kindness, and the ironies of misunderstanding. For CBSE students, mastering this story means not only scoring well but also learning empathy and the importance of acknowledging real-life acts of goodness.Last-minute Checklist
- Have you answered the question fully? - Stayed within the word count? - Quoted at least one example from the story? - Written neatly and checked spellings?By understanding both the narrative and the underlying human lessons of “A Letter to God,” students can enrich their comprehension, vocabulary, and moral perspective — essential strengths for school and beyond.
Sample questions
The answers have been prepared by our teacher
What is the summary of A Letter to God for class 10?
A Letter to God tells of Lencho, a farmer whose crop is destroyed by hail. He writes to God for help, receiving aid from post office workers, but mistakenly believes they stole part of the money.
What are the main themes in A Letter to God for class 10 summary?
The main themes include faith in God, human kindness, innocence, and irony. The story highlights the importance of hope, gratitude, and recognising real acts of goodness.
Who are the main characters in A Letter to God class 10 summary?
The main characters are Lencho, the honest and faithful farmer; Lencho’s supportive family; and the compassionate postmaster and post office staff who secretly collect money to help.
What is the moral lesson from A Letter to God class 10 summary?
The story teaches that faith should be balanced with appreciation for human kindness. Blind trust may overlook real help, so gratitude towards others is essential.
How does the ending of A Letter to God class 10 summary use irony?
The ending is ironic because Lencho trusts God but suspects the helpers at the post office. He misses recognising human goodwill, despite benefiting from their generosity.
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