Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

The postmaster - a fat, amiable fellow - also broke out laughing, but almost immediately he turned serious and, tapping the letter to his desk, commented, “What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!” So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God, the postmaster came up with an idea: answer the letter. (A Letter to God)

1. Justify the following statement:  [1]
   What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter.
2. Fill in the blank with a correct word from the brackets.
   The postmaster turned serious on seeing the letter addressed to God because he realized that the writer had ______ (immense/limited) faith in God.  [1]
3. Examine the portrayal of the postmaster in the given extract.  [2]
4. Why did the postmaster initially laugh on seeing the letter?  [1]
   1. It was a blank sheet of paper.
   2. He lacked faith in God.
   3. He had received such letters earlier.
   4. He had never known such an address.

Answer 1

1. The postmaster says this because he is deeply moved by Lencho’s unwavering belief in God. Lencho writes directly to God for help without any doubt, showing complete trust and faith, which the postmaster admires.
2. The postmaster turned serious on seeing the letter addressed to God because he realized that the writer had immense faith in God.
3. The postmaster is shown as a kind-hearted and sympathetic person. Though he initially laughs, he soon understands Lencho’s deep faith and decides to help him. He does not want to shake Lencho’s belief in God and comes up with the idea of replying to the letter, showing his generosity and compassion.
4. He had never known such an address.