Quality Summary Class 7 English Honeycomb Chapter 5

Introduction

"Quality" by John Galsworthy tells the story of Mr. Gessler, a skilled German shoemaker in London, who dedicates his life to making perfect boots. The story highlights his struggle to maintain craftsmanship in the face of industrial competition and mass production. John Galsworthy (1867–1933) was an English writer and Nobel Laureate in Literature (1932). Known for works like The Forsyte Saga, his stories often explore social issues and human struggles with simplicity and realism.

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Key Points of the Story

• Mr. Gessler: A German shoemaker in London, treats shoemaking as art.
• Creates high-quality, durable boots with precision and fit.
• Small shop reflects his dedication to craftsmanship.
• Author admires his skills and frequently visits for custom-made boots.
• Known for attention to detail and long-lasting products.
• Critiques poor-quality boots from large companies and discusses challenges faced by small artisans.
• Struggles against competition from mass-producing firms that prioritize advertising over quality.
• Refusal to compromise leads to financial struggles and loss of customers.
• Aging and weakening over the years due to hardships.
• The author supports by ordering boots that last for years.
• Mr. Gessler’s death marks the end of his craft, and his shop comes under new management.
• Highlights the plight of artisans in a commercialized world dominated by mass production.
• Emphasizes craftsmanship, dedication, and sacrifices for maintaining quality.
• Mr. Gessler’s life symbolizes the challenges of prioritizing passion over profit.

Summary of Quality

Mr. Gessler was a skilled German shoemaker living in London, known for his unmatched craftsmanship. He created high-quality, durable boots that fit perfectly and lasted for years. His small, simple shop had a quiet and unique atmosphere, which made an impression on the author. For Mr. Gessler, boot-making was not just a job but an art, and he insisted on doing all the work himself. His dedication was so intense that he often skipped meals to focus entirely on his craft, spending long hours perfecting each pair of boots.

The author visited Mr. Gessler's shop infrequently because the boots he made were so durable they rarely needed replacement. On one visit, the author wore shoes made by a large company, and Mr. Gessler immediately recognized that they were not his work. He expressed sadness about losing customers to big companies that relied on advertising rather than quality. Feeling sympathy for Mr. Gessler, the author ordered several pairs of boots, which lasted nearly two years. On another visit, the author mentioned that one pair of boots creaked. Mr. Gessler sincerely apologized and offered to fix or replace them without hesitation.

Over time, the author noticed a decline in Mr. Gessler’s health. When he visited the shop after a year, Mr. Gessler looked older, weaker, and more tired. Despite this, his dedication to his craft remained unchanged. He continued to make boots of exceptional quality, even better than before, although it was evident that the physical strain of his work was taking a toll on him.

A week after receiving a new order of boots, the author returned to thank Mr. Gessler, only to find the shop’s nameplate missing. A young man informed him that Mr. Gessler had passed away. He had worked tirelessly, neglecting his health, and spent all his money on rent and high-quality leather for his boots. The author reflected on Mr. Gessler’s unwavering dedication, realizing that he had worked on his boots “day and night until the very end.”

This story celebrates Mr. Gessler’s passion and devotion to his craft. It sheds light on the struggles of artisans who prioritize quality over profit in a world increasingly dominated by competition and advertising. Mr. Gessler’s life is a powerful tribute to hard work, artistry, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of perfection.

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Theme and Message of "Quality"

• Theme: The story "Quality"focuses on dedication, hard work, and the challenges faced by true artists. It shows the contrast between handmade craftsmanship and mass production, highlighting how difficult it is for honest artisans like Mr. Gessler to survive in a competitive world.
• Message: The story teaches us to value skill, dedication, and quality work. It reminds us to appreciate the effort of those who put their heart into their craft. It also shows how industrialization and big businesses can harm small, hardworking artisans who prioritize quality over money.

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Word Meanings

• Essence: The most important or fundamental quality.
• Guttural: A sound that is throaty or harsh.
• Splendidly: In a very impressive or excellent manner.
• Incense: The smell of leather is likened to the fragrant smell of incense in a church.
• Whence: From where.
• Wan: Pale and weak, often due to illness or exhaustion.
• Slack time: A period when there is less work or demand.
• To the very last: Until the very end.