Mr Gessler was successful as a bootmaker because his customers were immensely satisfied with the boot he made.
This perfectly fit them and lasted long. Yes, he was a failure as a competitive businessman.
He didn’t have money like the big firms so couldn’t invest on advertisements. He lost his business to them. He took time in delivering the boots because he made them alone. He lost his customers because of the delay in delivery.
He worked hard, striving for long hours. Whatever, he earned went on paying the rent for his shop and for buying leathers. He spent days of great penury.
Chapter Overview: Quality
John Galsworthy's story is about an old German shoemaker (Mr. Gessler) who makes boots of the finest quality. Despite the rise of big business and mass-produced shoes, Mr. Gessler refuses to compromise on quality. Eventually, he loses customers to large firms and dies from overwork and starvation, still dedicated to his craft.
Author: John Galsworthy | Book: Honeycomb
Key Themes
- Dedication to craft and quality
- Conflict between craftsmanship and commercialism
- Dignity of labour
- The price of perfection
Common Mistakes
- Not understanding the historical context (industrialization)
- Thinking Mr. Gessler was simply bad at business
- Missing the irony that quality led to his downfall
- Not recognizing the narrator's role as a sympathetic observer
FAQs
Why did Mr. Gessler lose his customers?
Mr. Gessler lost customers because large shoe firms with advertising and lower prices attracted buyers away from his small shop. People preferred cheaper, ready-made shoes over his handcrafted, expensive boots. His shop had no advertisements, and he took a long time to make each pair. In the age of mass production, his dedication to quality became his downfall.
What does the title "Quality" signify in this story?
The title "Quality" refers to Mr. Gessler's unwavering commitment to making the best possible boots. It signifies his belief that true craftsmanship means creating something perfect, regardless of time or cost. "Quality" also represents the values of honesty, dedication, and pride in one's work that Mr. Gessler embodied — values that were being lost in an increasingly commercial world.
How does the story end? What does the ending tell us?
The story ends with the narrator learning that Mr. Gessler has died. He died of starvation because he spent all his time making boots and had no money for food. His last pair of boots was his finest work. The ending tells us that while the world may not reward dedication and quality, there is dignity in staying true to one's principles. Mr. Gessler chose integrity over survival.