Chapter Overview
Quality is a short story written by John Galsworthy, which revolves around the theme of quality in craftsmanship. The story is about a man who visits a shop owned by a man named Mr. Gessler, a highly skilled and dedicated shoemaker. Through his interaction with Mr. Gessler, the man learns the importance of quality over quantity in work, and the deep pride and passion Mr. Gessler takes in his craft. The story explores the values of patience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in one's work.
The story takes place in a small, quaint shop in London where Mr. Gessler creates his shoes. The man who visits the shop initially notices the high price of the shoes, but over time, he realizes that the shoes are made with utmost care and attention to detail. The story highlights the contrast between the superficial appearance of mass-produced goods and the true value of handcrafted products that are made with expertise and passion.
Important Keywords
- Craftsmanship: The skill and quality involved in making something by hand.
- Dedication: The commitment and hard work one puts into their craft.
- Quality: The standard or excellence of something, especially when measured by how well it is made.
- Excellence: The quality of being outstanding or extremely good at something.
- Patience: The ability to wait calmly for something without frustration.
- Artisan: A person skilled in a particular craft or trade, often one who makes products by hand.
- Customer: A person who purchases goods or services from a shop.
- Workmanship: The skill and quality of a person’s work, especially in manual tasks.
- Mass-production: The manufacturing of goods in large quantities, often leading to a decrease in quality.
- Attention to Detail: The careful and thorough attention given to every aspect of one’s work.