Introduction to the Story

“The Letter to God” is a short story written by Mexican author Gregorio Lopez y Fuentes. It revolves around a peasant farmer named Lencho who lives in a remote village in Mexico. He is a devoted believer in God and has immense faith in his power. However, his faith is tested when a severe drought strikes his village, and he is left with no means to feed his family.

The Character of Lencho

Lencho is the protagonist of the story, and his character is developed through his actions and beliefs. He is a hardworking farmer who loves his family and is grateful for everything he has. He is also a devout Catholic and believes in the power of prayer. Lencho is an honest and straightforward man who speaks his mind and is not afraid to seek help when he needs it.

Lencho’s Belief in God

Lencho’s faith in God is unshakable, and he believes that God will provide for him and his family. He sees God as a benevolent and all-powerful force that can change his fate. Lencho’s belief in God is so strong that he writes a letter to him, asking for help to overcome the drought that has devastated his crops.

The Arrival of a Drought

A severe drought strikes Lencho’s village, destroying his crops and leaving him in a precarious situation. He is worried about how he will feed his family and pay his bills. Despite the harsh conditions, Lencho remains optimistic and believes that God will come to his rescue.

Lencho’s Request to God

Lencho writes a letter to God, asking for help to overcome the drought. He addresses the letter to “God in Heaven” and asks for 100 pesos to tide him over until the next harvest. Lencho is convinced that God will read his letter and send him the money he needs.

The Mysterious Response

Lencho receives a letter in the mail, addressed to him from God. He is overjoyed and believes that his prayers have been answered. However, when he opens the letter, he finds only 70 pesos. Lencho is confused and angry as he believes that God has not fulfilled his request.

Lencho’s Reaction to the Response

Lencho is furious when he realizes that God has sent him only 70 pesos. He believes that someone must have stolen the rest of the money and that God would never cheat him. Lencho writes another letter to God, accusing him of being a thief and demanding that he send the rest of the money.

The Community’s Reaction

The people in Lencho’s village are amused by his letter to God and think that he has lost his mind. They are surprised when they receive a response from God and are curious to know what it says. When they read the letter, they are amazed by Lencho’s faith and determination.

The Irony in the Story

The irony in the story is that Lencho’s letter to God is actually read by the postmaster, who is so moved by his faith that he decides to collect money from his colleagues to send Lencho the rest of the money he requested. Lencho receives the money and is grateful to God for his kindness, not realizing that it was the postmaster who sent him the money.

The Theme of the Story

The theme of the story is faith and perception. The story shows how faith can give people hope and strength even in the most difficult of situations. It also highlights how perception can shape our understanding of reality and how we interpret events.

The Significance of Lencho

Lencho is a significant character in the story as he represents the common man who is struggling to make ends meet. His faith and determination inspire others and show that even in the face of adversity, one can remain hopeful and optimistic.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

In conclusion, “The Letter to God” is a powerful story that highlights the importance of faith and perception. It teaches us that even in the most difficult of situations, we should never lose hope and always believe in the power of prayer. The story also shows us that sometimes, help can come from unexpected sources, and we should always be grateful for the kindness of others.