A Letter to God-CBQA

 

L:1-A Letter to God

Competency-based Questions & Answers

1. People get support from family and friends during bad times. How does Lencho’s family behave after the harvest is ruined?

Lencho’s family behaves with quiet acceptance and courage when the hailstorm destroys their entire harvest. Though they are deeply worried, they do not panic or blame anyone.  The family shows unity and courage in misfortune; instead of complaining, they remain dependent on Lencho’s strength and hope.

They even supported his decision to write a letter to God. Most of the families would criticize such an act of starting a correspondence to God and would judge them as lunatic or insane. Lencho’s family trusted Lencho’s decisions and stood by him even when everything seemed hopeless. Their behaviour reflects how rural families often support one another during crises. Their calmness and faith show that strong family support is the greatest comfort in bad times. His wife let him understand the importance of having faith in adversity and said that noone does of hunger but they die when they lose hope. The family rebuilt Lencho's hope and faith in God. They made him understand that God sees everything even what is in one's deep conscience and helps accordingly.

 2. ‘Lencho was an ox of a man, working like an animal in the fields, but still he knew how to write.’ What does this line tell us about the norm amongst such farmers, then?

The line “Lencho was an ox of a man, working like an animal in the fields, but still he knew how to write” tells us that most farmers of that period were hardworking but uneducated. Their daily life involved physical labour from morning till night, and very few had the opportunity to go to school or learn to read and write. Calling Lencho an “ox” highlights his tremendous physical strength and dedication to farming, which was the main occupation in rural areas. The phrase “but still he knew how to write” suggests that being literate was unusual for a farmer of his background. It shows that education was not common among people who spent all their time working on land. The line reveals a contrast—while Lencho’s body worked like an animal, his mind still had the ability to think, dream, and express himself through writing. It reflects the rare combination of physical endurance and basic literacy, making Lencho’s letter to God even more extraordinary.

  3. What, according to you, would have been the likely reaction of Lencho’s wife upon knowing about his writing an actual letter to God?

Lencho’s wife was a simple and faithful woman who trusted Lencho completely. When she learned that he had written an actual letter to God, she would have been surprised but not doubtful. In the story, she is shown as a woman who prays regularly and believes that God will not abandon them. Therefore, she might have felt hopeful that writing to God was the only way left to save their family after the storm. Her reaction would probably be a mix of astonishment and faith—astonishment- because writing to God is not a usual action, and faith because she believed in God’s kindness. She would have quietly supported Lencho’s decision, just as she supported him during the hailstorm. She might have even felt comforted, thinking that Lencho’s strong belief would bring them the help they needed. Her calm nature suggests that she trusted the power of prayer and her husband’s judgment.

 4. Lencho waited eagerly for a reply to his letter to God. Do you think the postmaster was also very keen to know Lencho’s reaction upon receiving the ‘reply’?

Yes, the postmaster was very keen to know how Lencho would react upon receiving the “reply” to his letter. In the story, he is touched by Lencho’s faith in God and wants to maintain that faith at any cost. He even laughs at first when he reads the letter but immediately becomes serious and decides to help. After collecting money from his colleagues and giving a part of his salary, he sends it to Lencho as “God’s reply.” Such sincere effort naturally makes him curious. He wants to see happiness on Lencho’s face and confirm that his act of kindness has succeeded. The postmaster’s interest shows the human desire to feel appreciated for a good deed. When Lencho comes to receive the letter, the postmaster watches him closely, eager to know whether Lencho feels grateful. His excitement and concern reflect his emotional involvement and genuine compassion.

 5. ‘The field was white, as if covered with salt.’ This is how the field is described after the hailstorm. The pelting hailstones could have been easily seen as sugar cubes. Do you think comparing it with sugar would have been more appropriate? Why/ Why not?

Comparing the field to salt is more appropriate than comparing it to sugar in the context of the story. After the hailstorm, the field looked “white, as if covered with salt,” because the hailstones were cold, hard, and destructive. Salt is often linked with dryness and bitterness, which suits the tragedy of the ruined harvest. Sugar, on the other hand, represents sweetness and pleasure. If the author had compared the field to sugar, it would have created a positive or joyful image, which does not match the situation at all. The storm brings loss, not sweetness. The comparison with salt conveys the harshness of nature and the hopelessness the family feels. Salt also symbolises something that burns wounds, just as the hailstorm burned their hopes. Therefore, the original comparison is more meaningful and emotionally appropriate.

 6. Lencho and his family knew the implications the hailstorm would have on their lives. Write a conversation between Lencho and his wife as they watched the downpour turn to a hailstorm.

Lencho: “At last, the rain has come! These drops are like new coins—five-cent pieces falling from the sky.”

Wife: “Yes, it will be a good harvest this year. God has blessed our fields.”

Lencho: “Wait… the drops are getting larger. They look strange… like frozen pearls.”

Wife: “Lencho, they are turning into hailstones. Is this good?”

Lencho: “No… this is bad. If it continues, the corn will be destroyed.”

Wife: “Oh God, protect our crops… Look, the whole field is turning white!”

Lencho: “Everything is being ruined before our eyes. The corn, the flowers… we shall have no food this year.”

Wife: “What will we do, Lencho? However, keep trusting God and have faith in Him. He is the only one who shall show us a way out of this difficulty”

Lencho: “God never leaves His children. We must trust Him. He will help us somehow.”

Wife: “I pray that He shows mercy on us. We will face this together.”

 7. Lencho did not bother exploring any other means to resolve his situation but just turned to God. Do you feel that his approach was justified? Why/Why not?

Lencho’s approach can be seen as both justified and limited. On one hand, his entire life depended on the field, and after losing everything, he felt helpless. In such moments, people often turn to faith for comfort. Lencho had “unshakable faith in God,” believing that God sees everything and never leaves His children hungry. For a simple farmer who worked like an ox in his field and depended on none except his family and God, writing a letter to God seemed like his only option and hope. On the other hand, depending completely on God without exploring practical solutions may appear unrealistic. He did not consider seeking help from neighbours, friends, relatives, community groups, or even selling something for survival. His blind faith stops him from thinking logically. Therefore, while his belief is touching and powerful, his approach lacks balance between faith and practical action. It is justified emotionally, but questionable from a realistic point of view. In real life, there is very less probability that his letter would fall into the hands of a kind person who would render his help. However, this also goes on to prove that when faith is pure and strong, our prayers will be answered. So his actions was justified.

 8 The people at the post office contribute to putting together whatever they can manage for Lencho. What do you think was the main reason behind their help? Would you have done the same if you were one of the employees?

The post office employees helped because they were moved by Lencho’s innocence and faith. The postmaster tells them that they must not “rob” Lencho of his pure trust in God. Seeing a man who believed so deeply that he wrote a letter to God made them feel responsible. They knew he had lost everything, and contributing a little money seemed like the right thing to do. Another reason was that their boss, the postmaster, strongly encouraged them, making the cause feel important. If I were one of the employees, I think I would have contributed as well. Helping someone in desperate need, especially someone so sincere and hopeful, feels like a moral duty. Even a small amount from each person could make a big difference. Also, when a group comes together for a compassionate cause, one naturally feels inspired to join and support the effort.

 9. As an employee, write about your perspective and reason(s) for contributing to the fund. The fact that you don’t want to say ‘no’ to a cause initiated by your boss can also be an equally compelling reason!

As an employee at the post office, I felt motivated to contribute to Lencho’s fund for several reasons. First, when I heard the postmaster read Lencho’s letter to God, I was touched by the man’s innocence and his complete faith. It is rare to see someone believe so purely without doubt. His situation was heartbreaking—losing his entire harvest meant losing his family’s food for the year. I felt that even a small contribution could ease his suffering. Secondly, the postmaster himself was deeply moved and encouraged all of us to help. I didn’t want to say “no” to a good action started by my superior. It felt like participating in something meaningful. Lastly, helping Lencho made me feel human. Even though he would never know it was us, the satisfaction of secretly restoring his faith in God was a reward in itself.

 10. Read the given anecdote and analyse the similarities and differences with reference to ‘A Letter to God’.

A very poor woman called in to a radio station asking for help from God. A non-believer, also listening to this radio program, decided to make fun of the woman. He obtained her address, called his secretary, and instructed her to purchase food and deliver it to the woman. However, the instruction was: "When the woman asks who sent the food, tell her that it’s from the devil.'' When the secretary arrived at the woman's house, she was overjoyed and grateful for the help. The Secretary then asked her, ''Don't you want to know who sent the food?'' The woman replied, ''No, I don't even care because when God orders, even the devil obeys!

Both the anecdote and A Letter to God revolve around strong faith in God and unexpected human kindness. In both stories, a poor person turns to God for help—Lencho writes a letter, while the woman prays on a radio program. In both cases, ordinary people become instruments of God: the postmaster helps Lencho, and the non-believer unknowingly provides food to the woman. However, there are differences. The woman remains grateful and wise, saying, “When God orders, even the devil obeys.” She does not suspect or blame anyone. Lencho, on the other hand, becomes angry and accuses the post office of stealing, failing to recognize human effort behind the gift. The anecdote highlights faith combined with gratitude, while Lencho’s story highlights faith mixed with misunderstanding. Both stories teach that help can come from unexpected sources.

 11. The postmaster was a representative of God. Evaluate this statement in the context of your understanding of ‘A Letter to God”

This statement is true because the postmaster acted as the medium through whom God’s help reached Lencho. Although he first laughed at the idea of writing to God, he quickly realized the depth of Lencho’s faith. He did not want to break that faith, so he worked tirelessly to collect money from his employees and even gave a part of his own salary. His actions were motivated by compassion, not obligation. In this sense, he represented God’s kindness on earth. Without revealing his identity, he quietly delivered the envelope to Lencho, making him believe that God had answered his prayer. Even though Lencho misunderstood him later, the postmaster’s intention was pure. He showed that one does not need divine powers to act like God; kindness and empathy are enough. Thus, he truly behaved as God’s representative. We also get to know that God certainly helps us through people or situations or opportunities. We must just keep faith in Him.

 12.  Grief or sadness is an emotion natural to all types of loss or significant change. You have been asked to present an analysis of the approaches of Lencho and Kisa Gotami in dealing with their respective losses. Write this presentation draft including your insights, and comparing the approaches of both

A)                                                 Presentation draft:

Approaches of Lencho and Kisa Gotami toward loss

One acknowledges that Lencho had unwavering faith in God whereas Kisa Gotami, in her grief, believed that her son could still be brought back to life. However, their approaches to loss were very different. Lencho experienced material loss—the destruction of his crops. His immediate response was to turn to God with absolute trust, believing that God knew everything and would not let his family starve. His faith gave him confidence and hope. 

Kisa Gotami’s loss was deeper, as she lost her only son. Blinded by grief, she went from house to house searching for someone who could cure death itself. She could not accept the reality of suffering until the Buddha guided her to understand that death is universal. While Lencho looked outward for help through prayer, Kisa Gotami looked inward and eventually found wisdom through acceptance. Both stories teach that grief is natural, but healing requires faith—faith in God for Lencho and faith in truth for Kisa Gotami.