Quality 

The passage depicts a narrator's fond recollections of a skilled bootmaker named Mr. Gessler. Mr. Gessler is portrayed as a dedicated craftsman who takes great pride in his work, making bespoke boots of exceptional quality. Despite facing challenges such as competition from larger firms and a refusal to compromise on the quality of his materials and craftsmanship, Mr. Gessler remains steadfast in his commitment to his trade.

However, his dedication ultimately leads to his downfall, as he refuses to modernize or advertise his business, resulting in financial struggles and, ultimately, his demise from what appears to be self-inflicted starvation due to his relentless work ethic.

The narrator reflects on Mr. Gessler's integrity and the superior quality of his boots, despite the tragic end to his life. The story serves as a poignant commentary on the value of craftsmanship, the pressures of competition, and the sacrifices made by those who remain true to their principles in the face of adversity.




Word

Meaning

Fashionable

व्यवहारिक

distinction

अंतर या विशिष्टता

failed

असफल

mysterious

रहस्यमय

youthful

युवा

awfully

भय, भयपूर्वक

redness

लालीमा, सूर्ख

terribly

बहुत भयानक

beyond

आगे या पार

temporary

अस्थायी

essence

सार

stitched

सिलना या टांका लगाना

restfully

शांति से

church

गिरजाघर

wooden

लकड़ी का

turned

चालू

awakened

जागा

portion

हिस्से

whence

जहां से

continue

जारी रखना

admired

प्रशंसा की

covering

कवर करना

contempt

अवमानना

froze

सील कर दी, बर्फ में जमा हुआ

Extreme

चरम

Guttural

कण्ठस्थ

Apron

एप्रन

Sleeves

आस्तीन

Blinking

पलक झपकाना

Incense

अगरबत्ती

Creaked

चरमराया हुआ

Penetrating

भेदनेवाला

Inferior

निम्नतर


Questions and Answers 


1. What was the author’s opinion about Mr Gessler as a bootmaker? 

The author held Mr. Gessler in high regard as a bootmaker, considering his craft to be mysterious and wonderful. The author admired the quality of Mr. Gessler's boots, noting that they never failed to fit and lasted a long time.



2. Why did the author visit the shop so infrequently?

The author visited the shop infrequently because Mr. Gessler's boots lasted a long time, so there was rarely a need to replace them. Additionally, Mr. Gessler's shop was located in a small by-street, making it less convenient to visit regularly.



 3. What was the effect on Mr Gessler of the author’s remark about a certain pair of boots? 

The author's remark about a certain pair of boots that creaked seemed to have a significant effect on Mr. Gessler. He initially seemed defensive, suggesting that the boots shouldn't have creaked and offering to look at them. This remark may have saddened Mr. Gessler, as he appeared to take pride in his craft and was disappointed that a pair of his boots did not meet the author's expectations.



4. What was Mr Gessler’s complaint against “big firms”? 

Mr. Gessler complained that big firms took away business from skilled craftsmen like himself through advertising rather than quality work. He believed that these firms prioritized profit over the artistry and quality of the boots, which ultimately led to a decline in his own business.



5. Why did the author order so many pairs of boots? Did he really need them?

The author ordered many pairs of boots after the incident with the creaking pair, likely as a gesture of goodwill or to support Mr. Gessler in his trade. While the author may not have needed so many pairs of boots personally, he appreciated Mr. Gessler's dedication to his craft and wanted to show his support.



I. Study the following phrases and their meanings. 
Use them appropriately to complete the sentences that follow. 
look after: take care of 
look down on: disapprove or regard as inferior 
look in (on someone): make a short visit 
look into: investigate look out: be careful 
look up: improve 
look up to: admire 
(i) After a very long spell of heat, the weather is ------ at last.
(ii) We have no right to --------------who do small jobs.
(iii) Nitin has always --------------his uncle, who is a self-made man. 
(iv) The police are ---------------------- the matter thoroughly. 
(v) If you want to go out, I will ----------------the children for you. 
(vi) I promise to--------------------------- on your brother when I visit Lucknow next. 
(vi)------------------------------ when you are crossing the main road.

Answers- 
(i) After a very long spell of heat, the weather is looking up at last. 

(ii) We have no right to look down on people who do small jobs.

(iii) Nitin has always looked up to his uncle, who is a self-made man. 

(iv) The police are looking into the matter thoroughly. 

(v) If you want to go out, I will look after the children for you.

(vi) I promise to look in on your brother when I visit Lucknow next. 

(vii) Look out when you are crossing the main road.