Explain how the author uses irony in the conclusion of 'A Letter to God'.
Answer
The irony lies in the fact that Lencho’s faith in God’s perfect generosity is contrasted with the imperfect, human act of the postmaster and his staff, who, despite not being divine, fulfill Lencho’s wish but fall short of the exact amount, yet Lencho still blames God for the shortage, showing the ironic gap between expectation and reality.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the ending where Lencho receives less money than he asked for.
- Note that the money was actually collected by the postmaster and his assistants, not by God.
- Observe Lencho’s belief that the missing amount is due to God’s thieves, not an error in the donation.
- Identify the contrast between Lencho’s perfect faith in God and the human imperfection in the act of giving.
- Explain that this contrast creates situational irony: the expected divine fulfillment is replaced by a human effort that is incomplete, yet Lencho’s perception remains unchanged.
Common mistake: Mentioning only the postmaster’s kindness without linking it to irony.
Concept tested: Use of irony in ending
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