“Quality” is a story about Mr Gessler, a shoemaker. He makes perfect boots with love and skill. The author admires his art but sees his struggles. Big firms take his work, and he dies poor. It shows how true artists face hard times.
1. Introduction to the Story
- What the Story Is About:
- This story is about Mr Gessler, a shoemaker.
- It shows how he loves making boots like an artist.
- Who Mr Gessler Is:
- He’s a German man living in London.
- He works with his elder brother in a shop.
- Why He’s Special:
- Mr Gessler makes perfect boots with skill.
- He takes pride in his work like an artist.
2. Mr Gessler’s Shop
- The shop is in a small street in London.
- It’s in a fashionable area but quiet.
: - There’s no big sign, just Gessler Brothers.
- A few pairs of boots are in the window.
- He only makes boots when ordered.
- His boots always fit perfectly.
3. The Author’s First Visit
- The author knew Mr Gessler since childhood.
- He made boots for the author’s father.
- The author gives his foot to Mr Gessler.
- He asks if making boots is hard.
- Mr Gessler smiles and says, “It is an art!”
- He speaks with a German accent.
- Mr Gessler shows a piece of brown leather.
- He calls it beautiful and asks when it’s needed.
- The author says as soon as possible.
- Mr Gessler promises them in two weeks.
4. The Creaking Boots
- One day, the author says a pair creaked.
- Mr Gessler looks surprised and quiet.
- He says they shouldn’t have creaked.
- He asks if they got wet too soon.
- He tells the author to send them back.
- He’ll fix them or remove them from the bill.
- He says some boots are bad from the start.
- He feels sad about the fault.
5. Boots from Another Shop
- The author wears boots from a big shop.
- He goes to Mr Gessler absent-mindedly.
- He sees the boots aren’t his.
- He says, “Those are not my boots.”
- His voice is calm but strong.
- He presses where the boot hurts the author.
- He says big firms have no self-respect.
- He talks bitterly about his trade’s struggles.
6. Mr Gessler’s Struggles
- He says big firms take work with ads.
- They don’t care about quality like he does.
- Every year, he gets less work.
- He looks old and tired with grey hairs.
- The author feels bad for wearing other boots.
- He orders many pairs to help Mr Gessler.
7. Brother’s Death
- The author visits after a long gap.
- He meets Mr Gessler, not his brother.
- Mr Gessler says his brother died.
- He looks older and weak now.
- He says his brother made good boots.
- He offers the author new boots.
8. Last Orders
- The author returns to London.
- Mr Gessler is now seventy-five and frail.
- He orders many pairs quickly.
- The boots arrive and are the best ever.
- The author tries them and sends a cheque.
- They fit perfectly in shape and quality.
9. Mr Gessler’s End
- A week later, the shop sign is gone.
- A young man is there instead.
- The young man says Mr Gessler died.
- He got the last boots just before.
- Mr Gessler starved slowly, says the man.
- He worked too hard and didn’t eat.
- He made boots himself, never resting.
- No one in London made better boots.
- The author says, “He made good boots.”
- He feels sad for Mr Gessler’s loss.
10. Questions and Answers
- What Was the Author’s Opinion About Mr Gessler as a Bootmaker?:
- The author thought he was a great artist.
- His boots were perfect and mysterious.
- Why Did the Author Visit the Shop So Infrequently?:
- Mr Gessler’s boots lasted very long.
- They didn’t wear out quickly.
- What Was the Effect on Mr Gessler of the Author’s Remark About a Certain Pair of Boots?:
- He was quiet and sad about the creak.
- He offered to fix or remove them from the bill.
- What Was Mr Gessler’s Complaint Against “Big Firms”?:
- He said they use ads, not skill, to sell.
- They take work from craftsmen like him.
- Why Did the Author Order So Many Pairs of Boots? Did He Really Need Them?:
- He felt sorry after Mr Gessler’s anger.
- He didn’t need so many, just wanted to help.
Download Free Mind Map from the link below
This mind map contains all important topics of this chapter
Visit our Class 7 English page for free mind maps of all Chapters