English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Role of Faith in 'A Letter to God' and 'The Sermon at Benares'

In A Letter to God, Lencho's faith in God is absolute and unquestioning. When hailstorms destroy his crops, he writes directly to God asking for a hundred pesos, never doubting that God will respond. His faith is so blind that when he receives money sent by the postmaster and workers, he suspects them of stealing the rest — he cannot imagine God sending less than what he asked for. His faith, though admirable in its purity, reveals his naivety.

In The Sermon at Benares, the Buddha teaches a different kind of faith — faith rooted in acceptance and wisdom. He does not deny grief but shows Kisa Gotami that suffering and death are universal. True faith lies in understanding life's impermanence, not in miraculous relief.

Both stories show faith as a powerful force, but one that must be guided by wisdom rather than blind expectation.

Source: Chapter 1 — A Letter to God; Chapter 8 — The Sermon at Benares

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• Examiners look for: comparison of both texts, reference to specific events, and a concluding observation linking both.
• Key contrast: Lencho's faith is personal, blind, and somewhat selfish; the Buddha's teaching replaces blind grief with reasoned acceptance.
• Avoid: retelling the full plot — analyse how faith functions in each story.
• Word count tip: This is 6 marks / ~120–150 words — three tight paragraphs is ideal.