Quality by John Galsworthy

 Hello! Here It's me Reshma  and  This blog is a part of BA's Short story  'Quality' by John Galsworthy.

Summary of Quality by John Galsworthy 

The short story Quality by John Galsworthy tells the touching story of two shoemaker brothers, the Gesslers, who dedicate their lives to making the finest boots. The narrator, a loyal customer, admires their skill and craftsmanship. The Gessler brothers make shoes by hand, ensuring excellent quality, but their small business struggles against large firms that use advertisements to attract customers. 

One day, the narrator visits their shop and orders a pair of Russian-leather shoes. The younger Gessler brother carefully selects the best leather for the boots. Another time, when the narrator complains about a pair of creaking shoes, Mr. Gessler promises to fix them or refund the money. The shoemaker takes great pride in his work and never compromises on quality. 

During another visit, the narrator wears shoes bought from a big firm. Mr. Gessler immediately notices and points out where they are uncomfortable. He expresses his frustration that large companies use advertising to sell low-quality products, making it difficult for small craftsmen like him to survive. The narrator, moved by his passion and struggles, places a large order of boots. 

Later, the narrator returns to find that the elder Gessler brother has died. The younger brother continues working with the same dedication. However, due to financial difficulties, he barely has enough to eat. The narrator gives another big order, and the boots take longer to arrive, but their quality is even better. When he visits again, he finds that Mr. Gessler has passed away, having starved while remaining true to his craft. The shop is now owned by an Englishman, who tells the narrator how Mr. Gessler worked tirelessly until his last breath. 

Themes 

The story explores several important themes: 

• Commitment to Work – Mr. Gessler is deeply dedicated to his craft, treating shoemaking as an art. 

• Struggle Between Small and Big Businesses – Small artisans suffer because large companies use advertisements to attract customers, even if their products are inferior. 

• Decline of Traditional Craftsmanship – Industrialization threatens skilled workers who value quality over profit. 

• Humility and Passion – Mr. Gessler remains humble and passionate about his work, refusing to compromise on quality. 

• Tragedy of Hard Work Without Recognition – Despite his dedication, Mr. Gessler’s business fails, and he dies in poverty. 

Characters 

1. Mr. Gessler (Younger Brother) – The main character, a highly skilled shoemaker who values quality over profit. He remains committed to his art but suffers due to competition from large firms. 

2. Elder Gessler Brother – Works alongside his younger brother but dies due to financial struggles. 

3. The Narrator – A loyal customer who respects Mr. Gessler’s craftsmanship. Through his eyes, we see the hardships faced by traditional artisans. 

4. The Englishman – The man who takes over the Gessler Brothers' shop after Mr. Gessler’s death. He tells the narrator about Mr. Gessler’s struggles and ultimate fate. 

Conclusion : 

Quality is a deeply moving story about dedication, craftsmanship, and the harsh realities of industrialization. Mr. Gessler’s unwavering commitment to quality makes him a tragic hero, showing that true artistry often goes unrecognized in a world driven by profit. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of values, hard work, and integrity in one’s profession.

Thank You!!!