CBSE Class 10 English – First Flight (Prose)
Chapter 1: A Letter to God
20 Questions and Answers
| As per CBSE 2026–27 Syllabus
1. Why was Lencho eagerly waiting for rain?
Answer:
Lencho was a hardworking farmer whose entire livelihood depended on his corn fields. The crop was ready, but it needed rainfall for proper growth and a good harvest. Since his family depended completely on farming, rain was extremely important for them. He looked at the sky with hope and confidence, expecting nature to support his efforts. When the rain finally started, Lencho felt relieved and happy because he believed it would bring prosperity and ensure food for his family throughout the year. His dependence on agriculture made the rainfall a matter of survival and success.
2. How did Lencho describe the raindrops before the hailstorm?
Answer:
At first, Lencho welcomed the rain with great joy. He compared the large raindrops to new silver coins and the smaller drops to five-cent coins. This comparison shows how valuable the rain was for him because it promised a rich harvest. As a farmer, he saw the rain as a blessing from nature that would bring financial security and happiness. The raindrops symbolized wealth and prosperity in his eyes. However, this happiness was short-lived because the rain soon turned into a destructive hailstorm that ruined all his hopes and expectations.
3. What destruction was caused by the hailstorm?
Answer:
The hailstorm caused complete destruction to Lencho’s crops. Large hailstones fell continuously for about an hour, covering the fields with a white layer that looked like salt. The corn plants were damaged, flowers were destroyed, and not a single leaf remained on the trees. The harvest that Lencho had worked hard for throughout the year was completely ruined. As a result, his family faced the threat of hunger and poverty. The storm shattered all hopes of a good harvest and left Lencho feeling helpless and deeply saddened.
4. Why did Lencho write a letter to God?
Answer:
After the hailstorm destroyed his crops, Lencho had no source of income or food for his family. He firmly believed that only God could help him in such a difficult situation. Therefore, he decided to write a letter to God asking for one hundred pesos. He needed the money to sow his fields again and support his family until the next harvest. His decision reflects his deep faith and trust in God. Instead of losing hope, he turned to God for help, believing that his prayer would surely be answered.
5. What does Lencho’s letter reveal about his character?
Answer:
Lencho’s letter reveals that he was simple, innocent, hardworking, and deeply religious. He had complete faith in God and genuinely believed that God would help him during his crisis. His confidence was so strong that he treated God like a real person who could receive and answer letters. At the same time, the letter shows his determination and hope. Even after losing everything, he did not give up. Instead, he searched for a solution through his unwavering belief. His actions reflect both his innocence and his extraordinary faith in divine power.
6. How did the postmaster react when he saw Lencho’s letter?
Answer:
When the postmaster first saw the letter addressed to God, he laughed at its unusual address. However, after reading it, he was deeply moved by Lencho’s faith and sincerity. He admired the farmer’s trust in God and did not want that faith to be broken. Therefore, he decided to help Lencho personally. The postmaster collected money from his colleagues and contributed a part of his own salary. His reaction changed from amusement to compassion, showing his kind-hearted and generous nature.
7. Why did the postmaster decide to help Lencho?
Answer:
The postmaster was impressed by Lencho’s unshakable faith in God. He felt that such strong belief should not be disappointed. Although he could not perform miracles, he wanted Lencho to continue believing in God’s kindness. Therefore, he decided to collect money and send it to Lencho in God’s name. His action was motivated by generosity, sympathy, and respect for Lencho’s faith. The postmaster’s efforts show that human beings can become instruments of kindness and help others even in difficult circumstances.
8. How much money was collected for Lencho?
Answer:
The postmaster and his colleagues managed to collect seventy pesos for Lencho. Although Lencho had requested one hundred pesos, it was difficult for the post office employees to arrange the full amount. The postmaster contributed a part of his salary and requested help from others. Together, they collected as much money as possible and sent it to Lencho in an envelope signed “God.” Their contribution reflected kindness and generosity. Even though the amount was less than what Lencho had asked for, it was a sincere effort to support him.
9. Why was Lencho not surprised to receive money?
Answer:
Lencho was not surprised because he had complete faith that God would answer his request. He believed firmly that God knew about his problems and would definitely help him. Therefore, when he received the envelope containing money, he accepted it as a natural response from God. His confidence was so strong that he never questioned how the money had arrived. Instead, he immediately started counting it. This reaction highlights the depth of his belief and the innocence with which he trusted divine intervention.
10. Why did Lencho become angry after counting the money?
Answer:
Lencho became angry because the envelope contained only seventy pesos instead of the hundred pesos he had requested. Since he had absolute faith in God, he believed that God could never make a mistake. Therefore, he concluded that someone must have stolen the remaining thirty pesos. Instead of appreciating the help he received, he focused on the missing amount. His reaction reveals both his strong faith and his innocence. He could not imagine that ordinary people had collected the money, so he blamed the post office employees.
11. What was written in Lencho’s second letter to God?
Answer:
In his second letter, Lencho thanked God for the money he had received but requested the remaining thirty pesos that were still needed. He expressed his belief that God had sent the full amount, but some dishonest people had stolen a part of it. He specifically asked God not to send the remaining money through the post office because he considered the employees to be crooks. The letter shows Lencho’s continued faith in God and his misunderstanding of the actual situation.
12. Why is Lencho called a man of faith?
Answer:
Lencho is called a man of faith because he trusted God completely, even during the most difficult period of his life. When his crops were destroyed and his family faced hunger, he did not lose hope. Instead, he wrote a letter directly to God asking for help. He strongly believed that God would answer him. Even after receiving less money than expected, he never doubted God. His unwavering trust in divine assistance makes him a symbol of faith and hope throughout the story.
13. Describe the character of the postmaster.
Answer:
The postmaster was a kind, generous, and compassionate person. Although he initially laughed at Lencho’s letter, he soon became impressed by the farmer’s faith. He wanted to preserve that faith and therefore decided to help him financially. He contributed money himself and encouraged his colleagues to donate as well. His actions reflect sympathy, humanity, and selflessness. Instead of ignoring the letter, he took responsibility for helping a stranger in need. His character highlights the importance of kindness and social responsibility in society.
14. How does the story show the power of hope?
Answer:
The story demonstrates that hope can help people face difficult situations with courage. After losing his entire crop, Lencho could have become hopeless and discouraged. Instead, he remained optimistic because of his faith in God. His hope motivated him to write a letter seeking help. Similarly, the postmaster’s hopeful belief in human goodness encouraged him to help Lencho. Throughout the story, hope acts as a positive force that inspires action, kindness, and perseverance despite hardship and uncertainty.
15. What is the irony in the story?
Answer:
The irony of the story lies in the fact that the people whom Lencho accused were actually his helpers. The postmaster and the post office employees collected money for him out of kindness. However, when Lencho received only seventy pesos, he assumed that the employees had stolen the remaining amount. He called them crooks and asked God not to send money through the post office again. This situation is ironic because the very people who supported him became the targets of his suspicion and criticism.
16. How did the post office employees contribute to helping Lencho?
Answer:
The post office employees willingly supported the postmaster’s effort to help Lencho. After learning about the farmer’s faith and difficult situation, they donated money according to their abilities. Their contributions helped collect seventy pesos, which was then sent to Lencho in God’s name. Although none of them expected recognition or gratitude, they worked together to assist a stranger in need. Their actions demonstrate teamwork, generosity, and compassion. The employees played an important role in keeping Lencho’s faith alive during a challenging period.
17. What message does the story convey?
Answer:
The story conveys important messages about faith, hope, and human kindness. It shows how strong belief can help people remain positive during difficult times. At the same time, it highlights the goodness that exists in society through the actions of the postmaster and his colleagues. The story also teaches readers not to judge others unfairly because appearances can be misleading. Through Lencho’s experience, the author emphasizes that faith and generosity are valuable qualities that help people overcome hardships and support one another.
18. Why did Lencho trust God more than people?
Answer:
Lencho had complete confidence in God because he believed that God was all-powerful and always helped those in need. His faith was so strong that he never doubted God’s ability to solve his problems. On the other hand, after receiving only seventy pesos, he suspected that people had stolen the remaining money. This incident shows that Lencho trusted divine power more than human beings. His attitude reflects both his innocence and his limited understanding of the kindness shown by the post office employees.
19. How did nature affect Lencho’s life?
Answer:
Nature played a major role in Lencho’s life because he depended entirely on farming for his livelihood. Initially, he welcomed the rain because it promised a good harvest. However, nature soon became destructive when the rain turned into a severe hailstorm. The storm ruined his crops and threatened his family’s survival. This sudden change shows how farmers are closely connected to natural conditions. Their success and failure often depend on weather patterns that are beyond their control. Thus, nature greatly influenced Lencho’s happiness and suffering.
20. Why is “A Letter to God” considered a story of faith and humanity?
Answer:
“A Letter to God” is a story of faith because Lencho firmly believes that God will help him in his time of need. It is also a story of humanity because the postmaster and his colleagues act generously to support him. While Lencho represents unwavering faith, the post office employees represent kindness and compassion. Together, these elements create a meaningful lesson about trust, hope, and helping others. The story suggests that human beings can become instruments of goodness and provide support when people face difficulties.