A plague of locusts would have left more than this.’ What does this statement mean to you? Class 10, Chapter A Letter to God.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Interpretation:
The statement “A plague of locusts would have left more than this” is spoken by Lencho, the protagonist of the story “A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes, after a devastating hailstorm destroys his crops.
What Lencho means is that the hailstorm was so destructive that even a plague of locusts, which are known for eating and damaging crops, would have caused less damage. In his view, nothing is left to harvest, not even a tiny portion that might have survived if the disaster had been a swarm of locusts. It expresses his deep disappointment, shock, and helplessness at the total destruction of his livelihood.
300-Word Explanation:
In the short story “A Letter to God,” Lencho is a poor, hardworking farmer who depends entirely on his crops for survival. At the beginning of the story, he looks to the sky with hope for rain, believing it will nourish his fields and ensure a good harvest. However, instead of beneficial rain, a powerful hailstorm hits and destroys everything in his field—leaves, flowers, and fruits are gone. The destruction is so complete that he laments, “A plague of locusts would have left more than this.”
This statement is both figurative and emotional. It compares the severity of the hailstorm to that of a locust invasion—something already considered very destructive. But Lencho feels the hailstorm was even worse, as not a single plant survived. This comparison highlights the complete loss he has suffered and sets the stage for his desperate act of faith: writing a letter to God to ask for help.
The line also demonstrates Lencho’s connection to the land and how deeply he depends on nature’s mercy. It reflects the theme of human vulnerability to natural disasters. Moreover, it underscores the contrast between man’s hope and nature’s unpredictability.
Ultimately, this powerful statement shows the depth of Lencho’s despair and prepares the reader for the remarkable faith he displays when he asks God for assistance.