A Letter to God – “The field was white as if covered with salt”

Textbook: First Flight NCERT
Class: CBSE Class 10 English
Lesson: A Letter to God
Author: G. L. Fuentes

Sugar and salt are essential spices in our life. Let’s understand in the context of ‘A Letter to God’ why the comparison to salt is much better than sugar cubes.

Q THE FIELD WAS WHITE AS IF COVERED WITH SALT.’ THIS IS HOW THE FIELD IS DESCRIBED AFTER THE HAILSTORM. THE PELTING HAILSTONES COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY SEEN AS SUGAR CUBES. DO YOU THINK COMPARING IT WITH SUGAR WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE APPROPRIATE? WHY/ WHY NOT?

Easy English Answer: The field was described as white like salt after the hailstorm in the story “A Letter to God” by G.L. Fuentes. The hailstones were so big that they could be mistaken for sugar cubes. Some people might think that comparing the hailstones to sugar would be better. But, the author chose to use the comparison of salt because it helps to create an image of a barren land that has been stripped of life. Salt is also associated with preserving food, which creates an ironic contrast to the destruction caused by the hailstorm.

OR

ANS: In “A Letter to God” by G.L. Fuentes, the field was portrayed as a white expanse, akin to salt, following the destructive hailstorm. Although some might argue that comparing the hailstones to sugar would have been more fitting, the author’s choice of salt is more effective for several reasons. Firstly, salt is commonly associated with barrenness and desolation, which creates a bleak image of the landscape ravaged by the hailstorm. Secondly, salt is often used as a preservative, which creates an ironic contrast to the devastation caused by natural disasters. The author’s use of salt, therefore, not only helps to vividly illustrate the aftermath of the hailstorm but also adds a deeper layer of meaning to the story.

OR

ANS: A hailstorm can be compared to small balls of anything that is white in colour. But, here, the comparison to salt is much better than sugar cubes. As sugar symbolises sweetness or happiness, whereas excess salt signifies the spoilt taste. The hailstorm spoiled Lencho’s fields totally that’s why it is said that the field was white as if covered with salt. So, comparing it with sugar would not have been more appropriate.

We have added 3 sample answers to the above sugar vs salt question. Can you spare some time to write in the comment about which one appealed to you the most?