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Question
With reference to the short story Quality, trace the journey of the Gessler Brothers from “ld is an Ardt!" to the bitter realization of “Dey dake it away from us, who lofe our boods….bresently i haf no work.” Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
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Solution
In John Galsworthy's short story "Quality," the Gessler Brothers' journey encapsulates a fierce struggle against the changing tides of commerce and modernity, finally leading to their tragic demise. The story depicts the Gesslers as committed artisans, shoemakers who see their work as an art form, with each pair of boots produced with unrivalled dedication and expertise. Initially, their attitude of "old is an art" reflects their dedication to quality and dislike for mass-produced goods. Their boots are built to last and fit flawlessly, setting them apart from the inexpensive, low-quality items on the market.
However, as the novel progresses, this dedication to workmanship becomes both a source of pride and weakness. The advent of larger boot-making enterprises that prioritise quantity over quality, combined with a shift in consumer behaviour towards more trendy, readily available footwear, begins to undermine their customer base. The narrator, a long-term customer, observes fewer orders and the rising strain on the Gesslers' money and emotions.
The elder Mr. Gessler's lament, "Dey dake it away from us, who lofe our boods," reflects the anguish of seeing their life's work devalued and undercut by commercial behemoths. This comment demonstrates their impotence in a market that no longer values the handcrafted nature of their boots. The loss in business not only impacts their livelihood but also deteriorates their health, which is exacerbated by hard hours and financial insecurity.
The story culminates in the elder Gessler's terrible death from overwork and starvation, exacerbated by the despair of seeing his beloved art become useless. The younger brother's heartbreaking admission, "Bresently I haf no work," is a harsh acknowledgement of their defeat at the hands of industrial development and customer disinterest. Thus, the Gessler Brothers' path from pride in their art to the painful realisation of its irrelevance provides a compelling portrayal of the cost of industrialization and the extinction of traditional craftsmanship in the face of unrelenting modernization.
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