By smartcubs The postmaster in “A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a fascinating character who exemplifies human kindness, empathy, and dedication. Though a minor character in the story, his actions have a significant impact on the plot and highlight essential human virtues.
Physical Appearance and Disposition
- Appearance: The postmaster is described as a portly man, with a jovial disposition. His friendly nature is evident in his interactions with others.
- Personality: He is amiable and kind-hearted, with a warm smile that makes him approachable. Despite his outwardly cheerful demeanor, he has a profound understanding of human suffering.
Key Traits
- Empathy and Compassion:
- Initially amused by Lencho’s naive letter to God, the postmaster’s amusement quickly turns into empathy. Recognizing Lencho’s desperate faith, he decides to help the farmer by collecting money to fulfill Lencho’s plea.
- His deep understanding of human emotions drives him to act out of compassion, rather than dismissing Lencho’s letter as mere folly.
- Dedication and Duty:
- The postmaster is highly dedicated to his job. He takes his role seriously and is committed to serving the public. This dedication is reflected in his decision to respond to Lencho’s letter, ensuring the farmer’s faith in God remains unshaken.
- His sense of duty goes beyond his official responsibilities. He takes personal initiative to gather money from his colleagues and friends, contributing a significant portion from his own salary.
- Pragmatism:
- While empathetic, the postmaster is also pragmatic. He understands the limitations of the postal system and the improbability of fulfilling Lencho’s request through official means. This pragmatic approach leads him to seek help from his community, showcasing his resourcefulness.
- Generosity and Selflessness:
- The postmaster’s actions are driven by a genuine desire to help Lencho without seeking any personal recognition. He ensures that the money is sent anonymously, signed “God,” to maintain Lencho’s faith in divine intervention.
- God-Fearing Nature:
- The postmaster is depicted as a god-fearing individual who respects and understands the importance of faith. He is moved by Lencho’s unwavering belief in God and feels a moral obligation to preserve that faith.
Actions and Their Impact
- Collecting Money: The postmaster initiates a collection among his colleagues and friends, successfully raising a substantial amount of money, albeit less than Lencho requested. His efforts demonstrate his leadership and ability to inspire others to contribute to a noble cause.
- Maintaining Anonymity: By sending the money anonymously, the postmaster ensures that Lencho believes the help came directly from God, thus preserving his faith. This act highlights the postmaster’s selflessness and his understanding of the psychological impact of faith on human resilience.
Summary of Traits in Bullet Points
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Dutiful and dedicated
- Pragmatic and resourceful
- Generous and selfless
- God-fearing and respectful of faith
The postmaster in “A Letter to God” is a character who transcends his official role to become a symbol of human goodness and empathy. Through his actions, he showcases the power of small acts of kindness and the impact they can have on preserving hope and faith in others.