English Language & Literature — AI-generated practice question

The Postmaster's Character:
The postmaster is described as a 'fat, amiable fellow' who initially laughs at Lencho's letter but quickly turns serious, moved by Lencho's deep faith. His decision to collect money from employees, contribute from his own salary, and approach friends shows he is compassionate, generous, and selfless. He is motivated purely by a desire not to shatter Lencho's faith in God — he expects nothing in return. His contentment at having "performed a good deed" reflects his noble, empathetic nature.

Contrast with Lencho:
Lencho, while deeply faithful, is naive and ungrateful. He suspects the very people who helped him of being "a bunch of crooks" and demands the remaining money. The postmaster gives selflessly; Lencho receives ungratefully. The postmaster acts with humility and kindness, while Lencho acts with blind suspicion, making the contrast deeply ironic.

Source: A Letter to God, Chapter 1

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• Examiners look for two distinct parts: the postmaster's character traits with textual evidence, and a clear contrast with Lencho.
• Key traits to mention: amiable, compassionate, selfless, empathetic for the postmaster; naive, ungrateful, suspicious for Lencho.
• Always use the word irony or ironic contrast when discussing how Lencho suspects the very people who helped him — this shows literary awareness and fetches marks.
• Keep textual references precise (e.g., "bunch of crooks," "performed a good deed").