Essay on G. L. Fuentes' A Letter to God

Essay

A Letter to God, by G.L. Fuentes


Introduction:

G.L. Fuentes' A Letter to God is a captivating short story about faith, irony, and human kindness told through the life of Lencho, a farmer whose crops are destroyed by hail. Fuentes tells a thought-provoking and accessible story by combining ideological, technical, and social criticism, challenging readers' beliefs while celebrating humanity.


Ideological Critique:

The central theme of the story is the challenge to blind faith.  Lencho writes a letter asking for 100 pesos because he has such a strong belief in God: "God, if you do not help me, my family and I will go hungry this year." His unwavering faith that God will provide for him borders on naivete because he does not acknowledge the human hands that bring him the seventy pesos. The irony is brought to light by Fuentes when he charges the post office with theft, saying, "The post office employees are a bunch of crooks": Lencho’s faith in the divine makes him blind to human goodwill. This critique invites readers to question whether rigid beliefs can sometimes disconnect us from reality.


Technical Critique:

In his storytelling, Fuentes is a master of impact and simplicity. The third-person perspective lets the readers peek into Lencho’s mind, making his unwavering faith both relatable and flawed. The hopelessness of nature is portrayed through vivid metaphors, such as raindrops being compared to "new silver coins" that change into destructive hail. Moving quickly from Lencho's optimism to his disillusionment, the story's tight structure heightens the irony and keeps readers interested while subtly pointing out how ridiculous his expectations were.


Social Critique:

The narrative highlights the power of community and class differences. Rural hardships are symbolised by Lencho, a struggling farmer, while the postmaster's attempt to raise money—"The postmaster...decided to help the writer"—illustrates the warmth of human compassion. However, Lencho's distrust of the post office exposes a social class divide, highlighting how misunderstandings can undermine solidarity. Fuentes encourages us to value human kindness over divine hopes.


Conclusion:

In a nutshell, A Letter to God challenges blind faith through Lencho's journey, dazzles with clever storytelling, and honours society's unsung heroes. It is a memorable story that emphasises the importance of finding a balance between belief and trust in those around us.

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