Chapter 5
Quality
1. Can a shoemaker be called an artist? Why?
Answer: Yes, a shoemaker can be called an artist if he has the same skill and pride in his trade as any other artist, and the same respect for it too. Mr Gessler, a German shoemaker settled in London, is described as a perfect artist because he devotes his life entirely to the art of making boots.
2. How did the narrator know Mr Gessler from his youth?
Answer: The narrator knew Mr Gessler from the days of extreme youth because he made boots for the narrator’s father. This long association gave the narrator a sense of trust and admiration for Mr Gessler’s craftsmanship.
3. Where was Gessler Brothers’ shop located?
Answer: Gessler Brothers’ shop was in a small by-street in a fashionable part of London. It had a quiet distinction with no sign other than the name “Gessler Brothers,” and only a few pairs of boots were displayed in the window.
4. What made the narrator feel that the shop was different from others?
Answer: The narrator felt that going into Gessler’s shop was not like entering an ordinary shop, but restfully, like entering a church. There was a quiet and almost sacred atmosphere that made the experience special.
5. How did Mr Gessler greet his customers?
Answer: Mr Gessler would appear without coat, a little bent, wearing a leather apron with sleeves turned back, blinking as if awakened from a dream of boots. His greeting was quiet, often without words, and full of attention to the leather he held.
6. What was Mr Gessler’s reaction to a piece of good leather?
Answer: When Mr Gessler saw a good piece of leather, he would fix his eyes on it and say, “What a beautiful piece!” He would admire it silently, showing his deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.
7. How did Mr Gessler take orders for boots?
Answer: He would silently assess the customer, sometimes asking, “When do you want them?” and then suggest a suitable time, such as “Tomorrow fortnight?” His method was careful, patient, and highly personalized.
8. How did the narrator feel when Mr Gessler took his order?
Answer: The narrator felt a sense of awe and respect. Sitting in the wooden chair, inhaling the scent of leather, he sensed the devotion and seriousness with which Mr Gessler approached his work.
9. What was Mr Gessler’s reaction when the narrator complained about creaking boots?
Answer: Mr Gessler looked at the narrator without replying at first, then admitted quietly, “It shouldn’t have creaked.” He investigated the problem carefully, showing responsibility and dedication to his craft.
10. How did Mr Gessler explain the reason for the creaking boots?
Answer: He said, “You got them wet before they found themselves,” suggesting that the customer’s actions might have affected the boots. He took the problem seriously and asked for the boots to be sent back so he could examine them.
11. What did Mr Gessler mean by “Some boots are bad from birth”?
Answer: He meant that some boots are flawed due to their materials or construction. Even with skill and care, such boots might not be perfect, and he promised to remove the cost from the bill if he could not fix them.
12. How did Mr Gessler react to boots bought from large firms?
Answer: He immediately recognized inferior quality and said, “Those are not my boots.” He also pressed on the uncomfortable area and remarked, “It hurts you there. Those big firms have no self-respect,” showing his deep concern for proper craftsmanship.
13. What complaint did Mr Gessler have against the big firms?
Answer: Mr Gessler complained that big firms gained business through advertisement, not through skill or craftsmanship. They took away customers from genuine artisans who loved their work, leaving him with less work each year.
14. How did the narrator respond to Mr Gessler’s complaints?
Answer: The narrator explained the circumstances of the boots and listened to Mr Gessler’s bitter reflections. He felt a strong impression from the old man’s voice and face, understanding the struggles of a dedicated craftsman.
15. Why did the narrator order many pairs of boots after Mr Gessler spoke about the hardships?
Answer: The narrator wanted to support Mr Gessler after seeing his struggle and dedication. He ordered many pairs, not necessarily because he needed them, but out of respect for the master shoemaker and admiration for his skill.
16. How did Mr Gessler’s appearance change over time?
Answer: When the narrator visited after a long time, Mr Gessler appeared aged and worn. His face and beard showed the effects of years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and dedication to making boots.
17. How did Mr Gessler speak about his elder brother?
Answer: He spoke fondly of his elder brother, saying he was a good man who made good boots. He only mentioned his brother after many years, indicating deep respect and affection.
18. How did Mr Gessler’s dedication affect his personal life?
Answer: He starved himself slowly, spent all money on rent and leather, let his fire go out, and never gave himself time to eat. He sacrificed personal comfort for the perfection of his craft.
19. What is meant by “he had no work… every year it gets less”?
Answer: Mr Gessler was losing customers to big firms who advertised heavily. His devotion to quality and refusal to compromise meant that business dwindled, leaving him with less work each year.
20. How did the narrator describe entering Gessler’s shop?
Answer: Entering Gessler’s shop was described as entering a church—restful, quiet, and full of a sense of devotion. The atmosphere reflected the care and reverence with which Mr Gessler approached his craft.
21. What did Mr Gessler mean by “It is an art”?
Answer: He meant that making boots was not just a trade but a form of art requiring skill, precision, and love. Every stitch and shape represented a creative, dedicated process.
22. How did Mr Gessler react when he received a pair of inferior boots?
Answer: He immediately recognized the poor quality, stated “Those are not my boots,” and examined the uncomfortable spot, showing his concern for proper craftsmanship and the customer’s comfort.
23. How did Mr Gessler maintain high standards of leather?
Answer: He personally selected the leather, admired every piece, and refused to work with substandard materials. He would not allow anyone else to touch the leather, showing extreme dedication.
24. How did the narrator describe Mr Gessler’s working methods?
Answer: He described Mr Gessler as slow, meticulous, and entirely devoted to his craft. He took great care in every detail, working without distraction or compromise, ensuring the highest quality.
25. What effect did Mr Gessler’s words about big firms have on the narrator?
Answer: The narrator was deeply impressed and moved by Mr Gessler’s voice and appearance, realizing the bitter struggle behind the master craftsman’s work. This prompted him to order many pairs of boots to support him.
26. How did Mr Gessler’s health and appearance reflect his work?
Answer: His slow starvation, worn face, grey hairs, and thin hair showed the physical toll of his dedication. Despite hardships, he lived long enough to create the finest boots.
27. How did Mr Gessler handle customers’ complaints?
Answer: He treated complaints seriously and patiently. He asked for boots to be sent back, investigated the problem, and corrected defects if possible. He even removed charges if the boots were faulty beyond repair.
28. What was the narrator’s impression of Mr Gessler’s skill?
Answer: The narrator considered Mr Gessler’s boots mysterious and wonderful. Their fit, finish, and durability amazed him, and he admired the old man’s craftsmanship as a true art form.
29. How did Mr Gessler demonstrate responsibility towards his work?
Answer: He took full responsibility for the quality of his boots, admitted faults when they occurred, and never compromised on materials or technique. His actions reflected integrity and devotion.
30. How did Mr Gessler express his grief about his brother’s death?
Answer: He spoke quietly and touched his head to indicate the cause of his brother’s death, showing sorrow and respect. This moment revealed the personal losses behind his dedication to boot-making.
31. How did the narrator feel when Mr Gessler aged significantly?
Answer: The narrator was shocked and distressed to see Mr Gessler aged, pinched, and worn. He realized how much time and effort the shoemaker had devoted to his craft over decades.
32. What sacrifices did Mr Gessler make for his art?
Answer: He sacrificed food, comfort, financial security, and social life. He worked tirelessly, spending all money on leather and rent, living in near-starvation, and dedicating every hour to perfecting his boots.
33. How long did it take for the narrator’s new boots to arrive?
Answer: It took a very long time for the boots to arrive, but when they did, they were better than ever, reflecting the care and skill invested in every pair.
34. What happened when the narrator returned to London after a year?
Answer: The narrator returned to find Mr Gessler aged, almost unrecognizable, and initially unable to recognize him. Despite this, the old man continued to make boots of the highest quality.
35. How did Mr Gessler ensure the fit and comfort of boots?
Answer: He carefully examined each boot, pressed the foot areas, and corrected any discomfort. He would not allow inferior materials or rushed work, ensuring that boots were perfectly comfortable.
36. Why did Mr Gessler refuse to advertise?
Answer: He believed in the value of skill and craftsmanship rather than marketing. He relied on quality alone, refusing to compromise the artistry of his boots through advertisements.
37. How did the narrator describe the smell in the shop?
Answer: The narrator compared the smell of leather to incense in a church, emphasizing the reverent, almost sacred atmosphere of Mr Gessler’s workshop.
38. What was the narrator’s reaction to Mr Gessler’s death?
Answer: The narrator was deeply disturbed when he learned of Mr Gessler’s death, realizing he had only received boots from him shortly before and that an era of master craftsmanship had ended.
39. How did Mr Gessler maintain the quality of boots without assistants?
Answer: He personally handled every aspect of boot-making, including selecting leather, cutting, stitching, and finishing. He refused help to maintain consistent high standards.
40. What lesson does the story of Gessler Brothers teach about dedication?
Answer: The story teaches that true dedication requires personal sacrifice, patience, and love for the craft. Even under hardship and competition, genuine skill and commitment produce enduring quality that earns respect and admiration.
Answer by Mrinmoee
