A Letter to God - Short Story Quiz

Study Notes

Overview

"A Letter to God" is a short story by Gregorio Lopez Fuentes.
It is a tale of faith and irony centered around a poor farmer named Lencho.

Characters

Lencho: Protagonist, hard-working farmer, strong belief in God.
Lencho's Family: Supportive but burdened by poverty.
Postmaster: Represents human understanding and compassion.
God: Entity Lencho believes will help him in times of need.

Setting

Takes place in a rural area in Mexico, showcasing a poor farming community.
The story unfolds during a time of drought followed by a heavy rainstorm.

Plot Summary

Drought: Lencho's crops suffer due to lack of rain.
Prayer for Help: In desperation, he writes a letter to God, asking for 100 pesos to save his family.
Sending the Letter: Lencho addresses the letter to "God" and puts it in the mailbox.
Postmaster's Reaction: The postmaster finds the letter and, touched by Lencho's faith, decides to help.
Collecting Money: The postmaster and his colleagues contribute money, though they manage to gather only 70 pesos.
Lencho's Disappointment: Upon receiving only 70 pesos, Lencho writes a second letter to God, complaining about the post office employees and their lack of generosity.

Themes

Faith and Belief: Lencho’s unwavering faith in God despite hardships.
Irony: The contrast between Lencho's expectations and reality; he fails to recognize human kindness.
Human Kindness: The postmaster's willingness to help demonstrates compassion in a harsh world.
Poverty and Struggle: Illustrates the challenges faced by farmers in rural settings.

Style

Simple and straightforward language, accessible to readers.
Use of symbolism, particularly Lencho's letter as a representation of hope and faith.

Moral

The story highlights the importance of faith and the complexities of human interactions.
It serves as a reminder that help can come from unexpected sources, and appreciation is vital.

"A Letter to God" - Summary

Author: Gregorio Lopez Fuentes
Genre: Short Story
Themes: Faith, Irony, Human Kindness, Poverty, and Belief

Lencho - the Protagonist

Occupation: Poor farmer
Personality: Hardworking and devoutly religious
Motivation: Seeks divine intervention to save his family from financial hardship

Lencho's Family

Relationship: Depend on Lencho for support
Circumstances: Live in poverty

Setting

Location: Rural Mexico
Time Period: During a drought, followed by heavy rainfall

Plot Summary

Drought: Crops suffer due to lack of rain, impacting Lencho's livelihood
Lencho's Faith: Turns to God for help, writes a letter requesting 100 pesos
The Postmaster: The postmaster finds the letter and decides to assist Lencho
Human Kindness: The postmaster and colleagues contribute money, but only manage to collect 70 pesos
Lencho's Disappointment: Lencho, upon receiving only 70 pesos, criticizes God's generosity, believing there was theft from "the post office employees."

Symbolism

The Letter: Represents Lencho's faith and his desire for help.
Rain: Represents both hope and frustration, as the rain damages his crops after his letter is sent.

Moral

Faith's Power: The story highlights the enduring power of faith, even in the face of adversity.
Good Intentions: The postmaster embodies human kindness and generosity, despite the challenging circumstances.
God vs. Humanity: Shows the complexities of faith, as Lencho's view of "God" is juxtaposed with the postmaster's actions.

Description

Test your understanding of Gregorio Lopez Fuentes' short story, 'A Letter to God'. This quiz covers key characters, themes, and the plot of Lencho's faith-driven narrative. Explore the irony and human connection that unfolds in this touching tale.