Learning Objectives
- Understand the theme of unshakeable faith
- Analyse the character of Lencho and his relationship with God
- Explore the irony in the story
- Learn about the narrative style and setting
Key Concepts
Summary
The story is set in a Latin American countryside. Lencho, a hardworking farmer, depends entirely on a good harvest. When a hailstorm destroys his crops, he writes a letter to God asking for 100 pesos to survive and re-sow his fields. The postmaster, moved by Lencho's faith, collects money from colleagues and sends it to Lencho. However, Lencho receives only 70 pesos. He writes another letter to God, complaining about the missing 30 pesos and accusing the post office employees of stealing the rest.
Theme
The central theme is unwavering faith in God. Lencho's faith is so strong that he never doubts God's existence or willingness to help. However, the story also highlights how blind faith can make a person ungrateful toward those who actually help him.
Irony in the Story
The story is built on dramatic irony. The post office employees, who genuinely helped Lencho out of kindness, are the ones he accuses of being thieves. Lencho trusts an unseen God completely but distrusts the very people who answered his prayer. The helpers become the accused.
Character Sketch
Lencho: A poor but hardworking farmer with deep faith in God. He is confident, determined, and literate enough to write a letter. However, his blind faith makes him naive and ungrateful.
The Postmaster: A kind, generous man who decides to help Lencho to preserve his faith in God. He represents goodness and selflessness in human nature.
Summary
The story contrasts Lencho's unshakeable faith with the kindness of the post office staff. While Lencho's devotion is admirable, his inability to recognise human goodness creates irony. The story teaches that faith is important but so is gratitude and the ability to see the good in people around us.
Important Terms
- Irony
- A literary device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning; here, the helpers are called thieves
- Faith
- Complete trust or confidence; Lencho's unquestioning belief in God's help
- Hailstorm
- A storm with small balls of ice that destroyed Lencho's crop
- Pesos
- Currency used in several Latin American countries
Quick Revision
- Author: G.L. Fuentes. Setting: Latin American countryside.
- Lencho writes to God asking for 100 pesos after a hailstorm destroys his crops
- The postmaster and staff collect 70 pesos and send it anonymously as from God
- Lencho accuses the post office staff of stealing the remaining 30 pesos
- Central irony: Those who helped Lencho are the ones he calls dishonest