Class 10 English - HARYANA
Prose: A Letter to God
A Letter to God by G.L. Fuentes is the opening prose piece in the Class 10 English textbook for Haryana (BSEH) students. It tells the moving story of Lencho, a hardworking farmer whose crops are completely destroyed by a devastating hailstorm. With unwavering faith in God, Lencho writes a letter asking for a hundred pesos to survive and resow his fields. The postmaster and employees read the letter, and moved by his faith, they collect money to help him. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests reading comprehension, character analysis, and thematic understanding of faith and human kindness.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Lencho's Unshakable Faith
Lencho possesses a deep, childlike belief that God sees everything and will help him in his time of extreme need, reflecting absolute trust.
Irony in the Plot
The post office employees who secretly collect money to help Lencho are ironically suspected by Lencho of being a 'bunch of crooks' who stole part of the money.
The Role of the Postmaster
The postmaster is a kind, generous, and empathetic man who decides to answer Lencho's letter to prevent his faith in God from shaking.
Symbolism of the Hailstones
Lencho compares the hailstones to 'new silver coins' initially, but they ultimately destroy his livelihood, symbolizing how unexpected adversity ruins hope.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana (BSEH) Class 10 English board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on Lencho's character, extract-based questions from the passage, and long answer questions focusing on the theme of faith and the irony at the end of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lencho write a letter to God?
Lencho wrote a letter to God because his entire corn crop was destroyed by a severe hailstorm, and he believed God was his only remaining hope to feed his family.
Who received Lencho's letter and what did they do?
A post office employee and the postmaster read the letter. Touched by Lencho's immense faith, the postmaster collected money from his employees and friends to send to Lencho.
Why did Lencho call the post office employees a 'bunch of crooks'?
Lencho received only seventy pesos instead of the hundred he asked for. Believing God could not make a mistake, he assumed the post office staff stole the remaining thirty pesos.
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