QUALITY

BY JOHN GALSWORTHY

GROUP 4
 TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Author Biography – Mr. Dương Nguyễn Hoàng Hải

2. Plot Summary – Mrs. Châu Ngọc Bích Trâm
3. Main Character – Ms. Lý Thục Văn
4. Conflict – Mr. Đoàn Văn Ngãi
5. Minor Characters – Mr. Nguyễn Viết Tăng
6. Theme & Setting – Ms. Lê Thị Nga My
7. Point of view & Figurative language – Mrs. Nguyễn Thu
Hà
8. Student’s Response – Mr. Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt
9. New Ending for Story – Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết
2
1. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Dương Nguyễn
Hoàng Hải

3
1. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

John Galsworthy
A Life in Literature (1867-
1933)
 1. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
The Rise of a Literary Titan

• Studied law at Oxford but found his passion in writing

• Early works published under the pseudonym John
Sinjohn
• Achieved literary fame with "The Forsyte Saga" (1906-
1910)
• Explored themes of wealth, social status, and morality
in the saga
• Established himself as a keen observer of social change
 1. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Beyond Novels: Championing Social Issues

• Excelled as a playwright tackling social issues
• Plays like "The Silver Box" (1906) exposed class
inequalities
• "Strife" (1909) explored labor relations and social
tensions
• A passionate advocate for social justice beyond
literature
• Championed animal welfare, prison reform, and
workers' rights
1. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

A Timeless Tale: "Quality"

• Short story published in 1912 as part of
"The Inn of Tranquility"
• Story of two German shoemaker brothers,
the Gesslers, known for quality
• They face competition from large
companies but never compromise on
craft
• One brother dies, the other continues but
succumbs to poverty
• Explores unwavering commitment to
excellence in the face of adversity
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mrs. Châu Ngọc Bích
Trâm

8
9
In a busy street in London, a man named Gessler lived with his elder brother who
runs a small shoes repair shop called “ Gessler brother”. (Exposition)
Gessler was the best boot maker, the boots he made never failed to fit. He did his
work with high quality and dedication.
The Gessler brothers were confident in their skills and did not advertise their
products. He believed that the boot maker's task was an art.
He is dissapointed in big firms that made the uncomfortable boots and explained to
author how those large firms ruined small businesses like his. (Conflict)
After two years, he looked old and worn and Gessler's elder brother was dead.
His shop was bought by a big firm
A week after he died of slow starvation since he never had time to eat because of
his hard work. (Climax)
The best boot maker and working until the last minute, Gessler could not keep up
with his competition. The story ends with a depressing end. (Conclusion)
In a busy street in London, a man
named Gessler lived with his elder
brother who runs a small shoes
repair shop called “ Gessler
brother”. (Exposition)
In a busy street in London
Paragraph 1
I knew him from the days of my
extreme youth, because he
made my father's boots;
inhabiting with his elder brother
two little shops let into one, in a
small by-street-now no more, but
then most fashionably placed
in the West End.
A man named Gessler lived with
his elder brother
Paragraph 1
“I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because
he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder
brother two little shops let into one, in a small by-street--
now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West
End.”
Runs a small shoes
repair shop called
“ Gessler brother”
Paragraph 2
“That tenement had a certain quiet
distinction; there was no sign upon
its face that he made for any of the
Royal Family-merely his own
German name of Gessler
Brothers: and in the window a
few pairs of boots.”
Gessler was the best boot maker,
the boots he made never failed to
fit. He did his work with high
quality and dedication.
Gessler was the best bootmaker,
the boots he made never failed to
fit
“That tenement
Paragraph 2 had a certain quiet distinction; there was
no sign upon its face that he made for any of the Royal
Family-merely his own German name of Gessler Brothers:
and in the window a few pairs of boots. I remember that it
always troubled me to account for those unvarying boots
in the window, for he made only what was ordered,
reaching nothing down, and it seemed so
inconceivable that what he made could ever have
failed to fit. Had he bought them to put there?”
He did his work with high quality
and dedication
Paragraph 2
He would never have tolerated in his house leather
on which he had not worked himself. […], they had
been worn a hundred years. Those pairs could only
have been made by one who saw before him the Soul of
Boot-so truly were they prototypes incarnating the very
spirit of all foot-gear.
 The Gessler brothers were
confident in their skills and did not
advertise their products. He
believed that the boot maker's task
was an art.
The Gessler brothers were confident in
their skills and did not advertise their
products
“That tenement
Paragraph 2 had a certain
quiet distinction; there was no
sign upon its face that he
made for any of the Royal
Family--merely his own German
name of Gessler Brothers: and
in the window a few pairs of
boots.”
He believed that the boot maker's
task was an art.
Paragraph 2
He would never have tolerated in his house leather on
which he had not worked himself. Besides, they were too
beautiful--the pair of pumps, so inexpressibly slim, the
patent leathers with cloth tops, making water come into
one's mouth, the tall brown riding boots with marvelous
sooty glow, as if, though new, they had been worn a
hundred years. Those pairs could only have been
made by one who saw before him the Soul of Boot-so
truly were they prototypes incarnating the very
He is disappointed in big firms that
made the uncomfortable boots and
explained to author how those
large firms ruined small businesses
like his
(Conflict)
He is disappointed in big firms that made
the uncomfortable boots
Paragraph 13 – 14 - 15
[…] He took my order without showing me any leather, and I could feel
his eyes penetrating the inferior integument of my foot. At last he said:
"Dose are nod my boods."
The tone was not one of anger, nor of sorrow, not even of
contempt, but there was in it something quiet that froze the
blood. He put his hand down and pressed a finger on the place where
the left boot, endeavoring to be fashionable, was not quite
comfortable.
“Id 'urds you dere,” he said. “Dose big virms 'ave no
selfrespect. Drash!”
And then, […] It was the only time I ever heard him discuss the
Explained to author how those large
firms ruined small businesses like
his
"Dey get id all," he said, "dey get id by
Paragraph 16
adverdisement, nod by work. Dey dake it away from
us, who lofe our boods. Id gomes to this--bresently I
haf no work. Every year id gets less - you will see."
And looking at his lined face I saw things I had never noticed
before, bitter things and bitter struggle--and what a lot of
gray hairs there seemed suddenly in his red beard!”
After two years, he looked old and
worn and Gessler's elder brother
was dead.
After two years, he looked old and
worn and Gessler's elder brother
was
“It was dead
over a year before I was again in London. And the first
Paragraph
shop I went24
to&was
26 my old friend's. I had left a man of sixty, I
came back to one of seventy-five, pinched and worn and
tremulous, who genuinely, this time, did not at first
know me”.
“And with utter slowness, he traced round my foot, and felt my
toes, only once looking up to say: "Did I dell you my brudder
was dead?"
His shop was bought by a big firm.
His shop was bought by a big firm
Paragraph 28
A week later, passing the little street, I thought I would go in
and tell him how splendidly the new boots fitted. But when I
came to where his shop had been, his name was gone.
Still there, in the window, were the slim pumps, the
patent leathers with cloth tops, the sooty riding
boots.
 A week after he died of slow
starvation since he never had time
to eat because of his hard work.
A week after he died of slow
starvation since he never had time
to eat because of his hard work
(Climax)
“Yes, yes," I said;
Paragraph 29
"but Mr. Gessler?" "Oh!" he answered; "dead." "Dead! But
I only received these boots from him last Wednesday week."
"Ah!" he said; “a shockin” go. Poor old man starved
'imself.”
 The best boot maker and working
until the last minute, Gessler could
not keep up with his competition.
The story ends with a depressing
end. (Conclusion)
The best boot maker and working until the last
minute, Gessler could not keep up with his
competition. The story ends with a depressing
end. (Conclusion)
Paragraph 31
"That may be a bit flowery, as the sayin' is-but I know myself
he was sittin' over his boots day and night, to the very
last. You see I used to watch him. Never gave 'imself time
to eat; never had a penny in the house. All went in
rent and leather. How he lived so long I don't know. He
regular let his fire go out. He was a character. But he
made good boots."
3. MAIN
CHARACTER
Ms. Lý Thục Văn

32
 3. MAIN CHARACTER

A. Background

B. Appearance

C. Personality
• Perfectionism
• Passion
• Stubbornness - Main character.
- Round character.
- Static character.
33
 3. MAIN CHARACTER

- He is German.
- He is a great
A. Background shoesmaker.
- He has a brother.
- He has a shoe’s shop.
Para 1: “[…], because he made my father's boots;
inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one
[…].”
Para 2: “[…] merely his own German name of Gessler
Brothers: and in the window a few pairs of boots”.

34
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
- Yellow crinkly face.
- Crinkly reddish hair and beard.
B. Appearance - Neat folds slanting down his
cheeks to the corners of his
mouth.
- Gray-blue eyes.
- Guttural and one-toned voice
Para 4: “[…] with his yellow crinkly face, and crinkly reddish
hair and beard, and neat folds slanting down his cheeks to the corners
of his mouth, and his guttural and one-toned voice; […], save that his
eyes, which were gray-blue, had in them the simple gravity of one
secretly possessed by the Ideal”. 35
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Perfectioni
sm
The story emphasizes Mr. Gessler's relentless pursuit of
quality in his boots. => Obsessive Focus on Quality
Para 2: “Those pairs could only have been made by one who
saw before him the Soul of Boot--so truly were they prototypes
incarnating the very spirit of all foot-gear.”
Para 6: “[…]--his boots lasted terribly, having something
beyond the temporary-- some, as it were, essence of boot stitched into
them.”
Para 19: “"Ah! Mr. Gessler," I stammered, "but your boots are
really TOO good, you know! See, these are quite decent still!"”
36
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Perfectioni
sm
The story emphasizes Mr. Gessler's relentless pursuit of
quality in his boots. => Obsessive Focus on Quality
Para 25: “"Oh! Mr. Gessler," I said, sick at heart; "how splendid
your boots are! See, I've been wearing this pair nearly all the time I've
been abroad; and they're not half worn out, are they?".”
Para 30: “-I will say that for him--not a man in London made a
better boot!.”

37
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Perfectioni
sm
He chose the leather for boots and created it himself. =>
Using the finest materials to create the best shoes.
Para 2: “He would never have tolerated in his house leather on
which he had not worked himself.”
Para 30: “Would 'ave the best leather, too, and do it all
'imself.”

38
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Perfectioni
sm
He took quite long time to make sure to create perfect boots.

Para 30: “When he got an order, it took him such a time.”

Para 31: “Never gave 'imself time to eat; never had a penny in
the house..”

39
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Perfectioni
sm
He tried to understand his customers and show his overall
demeanor suggests a low tolerance for even minor flaws. =>
Being careful and responsible person.
Para 10: “But if it were some new kind of foot-gear that he had
not yet made me, […]--divesting me of my boot and holding it long in
his hand, looking at it with eyes at once critical and loving[…]. Then,
placing my foot on a piece of paper, he would two or three times tickle
the outeredges with a pencil and pass his nervous fingers over my
toes, feeling himself into the heart of my requirements.”
Para 11: "Zend dem back!" he said; "I will look at dem.” =>
he regconized that he did not make that boots but still fixed
40
them.
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Passion

He talked about the job with proud words => It’s his passion
and artistic expression.

Para 3: “And his answer, given with a sudden smile from out of
the
sardonic redness of his beard: "Id is an Ardt!"”

41
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Passion

Everytime he picks up the piece of leather, he praises it. =>

Respecting his job
Para 9: “Soon he would come back, holding in his thin, veined
hand a piece of gold-brown leather. With eyes fixed on it, he would
remark: "What a beaudiful biece!"”

Para 23: "And he held up the leather in his hand: "Id's a

beaudiful biece."”

42
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Passion

He focused on the quality although it might not translate to

revenue commercial success.
Para 12: “"Zome boods," he said slowly, "are bad from birdt. If
I can
do noding wid dem, I dake dem off your bill."” => He would refund
the money if he could not repair the boots.
Para 27: "There was no doubt about it. In shape and fit, in
finish and quality of leather, they were the best he had ever made me.
And in the mouth of one of the town walking-boots I found his bill. The
amount was the same as usual, but it gave me quite a shock.” => He
made the best boots without increasing the price althought
43
his business on the verge of donwing.
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Passion

He felt hurt when someone complained.

Para 11: “At that he lowered his eyes, as if hunting for memory
of
those boots,”
Para 14: “The tone was not one of anger, nor of sorrow, not
even
of contempt, but there was in it something quiet that froze the blood.”
Para 17: “But his face and voice made so deep impression that
during the next few minutes I ordered many pairs.”

44
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Passion

He respected and worried about customer feeling.

Para 14 - 15: “He put his hand down and pressed a finger on
the place where the left boot, endeavoring to be fashionable, was not
quite comfortable.
"Id 'urds you dere," he said.”
Para 26: “”I will make a vresh model. Your food must be
bigger.“ And with utter slowness, he traced round my foot, and felt my
toes.”

45
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Stubbornn
ess
He was resitant to adapt in changing market and business.

Para 18-19: “When at last I went I was surprised to find that

outside one of the two little windows of his shop another name was
painted, also that of a bootmaker--making, of course, for the Royal
Family. The old familiar boots, no longer in dignified isolation, were
huddled in the single window.
Inside, the now contracted well of the one little shop was more
scented and darker than ever.”
Para 30: “But look at the competition! He never advertised!”

46
 3. MAIN CHARACTER
C. Personality Stubbornn
ess
He criticized who hindering his business growth.

Para 16: “"Dey get id all," he said, "dey get id by

adverdisement, nodby work. Dey dake it away from us, who lofe our
boods. Id gomes to this--bresently I haf no work. Every year id gets
less--you will see."”
Para 19: “”beople do nod wand good boods, id seems."”

47
4. CONFLICT
Mr. Đoàn Văn Ngãi

48
 4. CONFLICTS
Character vs
Society

Competition between small shops and large

companies.
Para 15: “[…], " "Id 'urds you dere," he said. "Dose big
virms 'ave no self- respect. Drash!" And then, as if something
had given way within him, he spoke long and bitterly. It was the
only timeI ever heard him discuss the conditions and hardships
of his trade. […].”
Para 2: "Dey get id all," he said, "dey get id by
adverdisement, nodby work. Dey dake it away from us, who lofe
our boods. Idgomes to this--bresently I haf no work. […].”
49
 4. CONFLICTS
Character vs
Society

Gessler’s shop: High quality without advertisement

Big firms: Mass product and advertisement

Para 15: “[…], " And there he'd sit, goin' on and on--I will say
that for him--not a man in London made a better boot! But look at
the competition! He never advertised! Would 'ave the best leather,
too, and do it all 'imself. Well, there it is. What could you expect with
his ideas? ”

50
 4. CONFLICTS
Character vs.
Self
Mr. Gessler is very dedicated to his work and also has a
strong principle. The competition resulted in his shop
failing to compete with big firms. But he commits himself
to creating high-quality boots.
Para 30: "Slow starvation, the doctor called it! You see he
went to work in such a way! Would keep the shop on; wouldn't
have a soul touch his boots except himself. When he got
anorder, it took him such a time. People won't wait. He lost
everybody”.
Para 2: “[…], but I know myself he was sittin' over his boots
day and night, to the very last. You see I used to watch him. Never
gave 'imselftime to eat; never had a penny in the house. All went in51
rent and leather. “[…]
5. MINOR
CHARACTERS
Mr. Nguyễn Viết Tăng

52
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

Character Narrator
- The narrator in the work Quality is an
interesting and complex character.

- Minor character; Round character

“I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because

he made my father's boots; inhabiting with his elder brother
two little shops let into one”.
5. MINOR CHARACTERS

He does not reveal much about

himself, but through the way he
reports about his experience at
Gessler's store, we can sense his
uniqueness and sophistication.
5. MINOR CHARACTERS

- Respect and admire talent:

- Delicate and sensitive:

- Honesty and straightforwardness:

- Empathize and share:

 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

a. Respect and admire talent:

The narrator shows great respect and admiration for the

two Gessler brothers, talented shoemakers.
“They were too beautiful--the pair of pumps, so
inexpressibly slim, the patent leathers with cloth tops,
making water come into one's mouth, the tall brown riding
boots with marvelous sooty glow, as if, though new, they had
been worn a hundred years” (Paragraph 2 from line 7 to line 9)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

a. Respect and admire talent:

This admiration is not only for the product, but also for their
spirit and steadfastness towards their profession.
“Those pairs could only have been made by one who
saw before him the Soul of Boot-so truly were they
prototypes incarnating the very spirit of all foot-gear”.
(Paragraph 2, line 16 to line 22)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

b. Delicate and sensitive:

The narrator has a sensitive soul, easily moved by the life

stories of the Gessler brothers.

“I remember that it always troubles me to account for

those unvarying boots in the window”.
(Paragraph 2, line 5 to line 7)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

b. Delicate and sensitive:

The narrator also seems quite knowledgeable about the

two Gessler brothers when talking about how they make
leather goods in their house.

“He would never have tolerated in his house leather

on which he had not worked himself”.
(Paragraph 2 from lines 10 to 11)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

b. Delicate and sensitive:

The narrator's ability to differentiate between the two Gessler

brothers shows his subtlety and meticulous observation.

“His elder brother was so very like him-though watery,

paler in every way, with a great industry-that sometimes in
early days I was not quite sure of him until the interview
was over. Then I knew that it was he, if the words, "I will
ask my brudder" had not been spoken; and that, if they
had, it was his elder brother.”. (Paragraph 4 from lines 8 to 13)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS
c. Honesty and straightforwardness
The narrator is not afraid to express his thoughts and
feelings. He shows honesty in evaluating and reflecting on
the quality of the shoes he received from the Gessler
brothers, as well as on their business situation.
"Mr. Gessler, that last pair of town walking - boots creaked,
you know."
He looked at me for a time without replying, as if expecting
me to withdraw or qualify the statement, then said:
"Id shouldn'd 'ave greaked."
"It did, I'm afraid."
"You goddem wed before dey found demselves?"
(Paragraph 11 from lines 2 to 9)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS
c. Honesty and straightforwardness

"Ah! Mr. Gessler," I stammered, "but your boots are really

TOO good, you know! See, these are quite decent still!“ And I
stretched out to him my foot. He looked at it.
(Paragraph 19 from lines 7 to 9)

There was no doubt about it. Inshape and fit, in finish and
quality of leather, they were thebest he had ever made me.
(Paragraph 27 from lines 3 to 5)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS
d. Empathize and share:
He showed deep sympathy for the situation of the Gessler
brothers. This empathy is not only shown through his words
but also through his actions as he tries to support them by
continuing to order shoes from them, even when this is no
longer convenient for him.
(Paragraph 20, 23, 26)
5. MINOR CHARACTERS

The Englishman
- He is a character that shows many
interesting aspects, reflecting the
culture and spirit of the times.

- Minor character; Round character

 5. MINOR CHARACTERS
The Englishman
- Respect for talent
and enthusiasm:

- Sensitivity and empath

- Honesty and
straightforwardness:
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS
a. Respect for talent and enthusiasm:

The British showed deep respect and admiration for the

Gessler brothers, talented shoemakers. He appreciates
their quality and dedication to their profession,
considering these to be valuable and admirable qualities.

Well, there it is. What could you expect with his ideas?"
"But starvation--!

(Paragraph 30 from line 9 to line 10)

 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

b. Sensitivity and empathy:

The British have a sensitive soul, easily sympathizing with

the situation of the Gessler brothers. He realized the
difficulty they faced in maintaining traditional crafts amid
commercialization and fierce competition.
"I know myself he was sittin' over his boots day and night,
to the very last. You see I used to watch him. Never gave
'imselftime to eat; never had a penny in the house. All went
in rent and leather. How he lived so long I don't know. He
regular let his fire go out. He was a character. But he
madegood boots." (Paragraph 31)
 5. MINOR CHARACTERS

c. Honesty and straightforwardness:

This character shows honesty in evaluating the quality of

products made by the Gessler brothers.
“You see he went to work in such a way! Would keep the
shop on; wouldn't have a soul touch his boots except himself.
When he got anorder, it took him such a time. People won't
wait. He lost everybody”
(Paragraph 30 from line 2 to line 4)
6. THEME & SETTING
Ms. Lê Thị Nga My

69
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
01 Artisan Craftsmanship vs. Industrialization

02 Integrity and Commitment to Quality

03 Economic Hardship and Survival

04 Nostalgia and Change

05 Human Dignity and Respect

06 Customer Loyalty and Appreciation

 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
01 Artisan Craftsmanship vs. Industrialization

The Gessler brothers represent the meticulous and dedicated

02 shoemakers who take pride in their work, producing shoes of the
highest quality through skill and precision.
03
They struggle to compete with larger manufacturers who produce
04 shoes cheaply and quickly but with inferior quality.

05

06
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
01 Artisan Craftsmanship vs. Industrialization

02 The Gessler brothers represent the meticulous and dedicated

shoemakers who take pride in their work, producing shoes of the
highest quality through skill and precision.
03 (2) …For to make boots--such boots as he made--seemed to me then,
and still seems to me, mysterious and wonderful.
04
They struggle to compete with larger manufacturers who produce
05 shoes cheaply and quickly but with inferior quality.

(16) "Dey get id all," he said, "dey get id by adverdisement, nodby

06 work. Dey dake it away from us, who lofe our boods. Idgomes to this--
bresently I haf no work. Every year id gets less--you will see." And
looking at his lined face I saw things I had never noticed before, bitter
things and bitter struggle--and what a lot of gray hairs there seemed
suddenly in his red beard!
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
02 Integrity and Commitment to Quality

Being evident in the care and precision with which they make each
03 pair of shoes even in the face of economic hardship and
competition.
04
The brothers' refusal to compromise on quality ultimately leads to
05 their downfall, illustrating the often-harsh reality faced by those who
prioritize integrity over profit.

06
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
02 Integrity and Commitment to Quality

Being evident in the care and precision with which they make each
03 pair of shoes even in the face of economic hardship and
competition.
04 (6) …his boots lasted terribly, having something beyond the temporary…
(19)… "Ah! Mr. Gessler," I stammered, "but your boots are really TOO good, you know!
See, these are quite decent still!“…
(25) "Oh! Mr. Gessler," … "how splendid your boots are! See, I've been wearing this
05 pair nearly all the time I've been abroad; and they're not half worn out, are they?"
(26) … I assured him that they had fitted beautifully….
(27) …There was no doubt about it. In shape and fit, in finish and quality of leather,
06 they were the best he had ever made me.…I found his bill. The amount was the same
as usual,

The brothers' refusal to compromise on quality ultimately leads to

their downfall, illustrating the often-harsh reality faced by those who
prioritize integrity over profit.
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
03 Economic Hardship and Survival
The Gessler brothers face financial difficulties due to their refusal to
04 lower their standards and the increasing dominance of mass-
produced shoes
05 (16) "Dey get id all," he said, "dey get id by adverdisement, nodby work. Dey
dake it away from us, who lofe our boods. Idgomes to this--bresently I haf no
work. Every year id gets less--you will see." And looking at his lined face I saw
things I had never noticed before, bitter things and bitter struggle
06 (31) “…--but I know myself he was sittin' over his boots day and night, to the
very last. You see I used to watch him. Never gave 'imselftime to eat; never had
a penny in the house. All went in rent and leather. How he lived so long I don't
know. He regular let his fire go out. He was a character. But he made good
boots."
This theme also touches on the sacrifices and challenges involved in
sustaining a small business that prioritizes quality over quantity
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
04 Nostalgia and Change

05 The story evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when craftsmanship

was highly valued and artisans took immense pride in their work
06 (1)I knew him from the days of my extreme youth, because he made my father's
boots; inhabiting with his elder brother two little shops let into one, in a small by
street--now no more, but then most fashionably placed in the West End
(2)I remember well my shy remark, one day, while stretching out to him
my youthful foot:
"Isn't it awfully hard to do, Mr. Gessler?"
And his answer, given with a sudden smile from out of the sardonic
redness of his beard: "Id is an Ardt!"
This theme explores the tension between preserving traditional
skills and adapting to inevitable changes brought about by industrial
progress.
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme

05 Human Dignity and Respect

06 The story portrays the Gessler brothers as dignified and respectable

individuals, despite their modest circumstances and eventual
downfall.

This theme underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring

the dignity of individuals who commit their lives to mastering a
craft, regardless of their economic status.
 6. THEME & SETTING
Theme
06 Customer Loyalty and Appreciation

The narrator’s continued patronage and admiration for the Gesslers’

work reflect the enduring value of quality and the personal
connections formed between customers and dedicated artisans.
(2) …. I remember that it always troubled me to account for those
unvarying boots in the window, for he made only what was ordered,
reaching nothing down, and it seemed so inconceivable that what he
made could ever have failed to fit.
(19) …"Ah! Mr. Gessler," I stammered, "but your boots are really TOO
good, you know! See, these are quite decent still!" And I stretched out to
him my foot. He looked at it.
(31) …"Yes," I said, "he made good boots."
And I turned and went out quickly, for I did not want that youth to know
that I could hardly see
This theme emphasizes the impact of customer loyalty on the
survival of small businesses and the mutual respect between
artisans and their clients.
 Setting

PLACE TIME SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SYMBOLIC

 Setting

PLACE TIME SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SYMBOLIC

PLACE
Gessler (2) “That tenement had a certain quiet
Brothers' Shop distinction”
The central location in the story is the (7) One went in, not as into most shops, in the
small, old-fashioned boot shop owned by mood of: "Please serve me, and let me go!"
the Gessler brothers. This shop is located but restfully, as one enters a church; and,
in a less fashionable part of London, which sitting on the single wooden chair, waited--for
mirrors the declining business of the there was never anybody there. Soon, over
Gessler brothers. The shop's interior is the top edge of that sort of well-- rather dark,
described as simple and a bit dark, filled and smelling soothingly of leather--which
with the smell of leather, reflecting the formed the shop,…
brothers' dedication to their craft rather (18) When at last I went, I was surprised to
 Setting

PLACE TIME SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SYMBOLIC

TIME
Late 19th to Early 20th
Century
(13) Once (once only) I went absent-mindedly
The story is set during a time of
into his shop in a pair of boots bought in an
significant industrial and commercial
emergency at some large firm's…
change in England. This period saw the
rise of mass production and the decline (15) "Id 'urds you dere," he said. "Dose big
of small, artisanal businesses. virms 'ave no self- respect. Drash!"
 Setting

PLACE TIME SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SYMBOLIC

SOCIAL CONTEXT
Economic Struggles

Reflecting the economic struggles of (16) "Dey get id all," he said, "dey get id by
small businesses in the face of growing adverdisement, nodby work. Dey dake it away
competition from larger, more from us, who lofe our boods. Idgomes to this--
commercial enterprises. The Gessler bresently I haf no work. Every year id gets
brothers' inability to compete less--you will see." And looking at his lined
financially, despite their superior face I saw things I had never noticed before,
quality, speaks to the harsh economic bitter things and bitter struggle--and what a
realities of the time. lot of gray hairs there seemed suddenly in his
red beard!
 Setting

PLACE TIME SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SYMBOLIC

ATMOSPHERE
Melancholic and Quiet and Reflective
Nostalgic
The story has a sad and nostalgic The story’s tone is quiet and reflective,
mood. The detailed descriptions of the much like the demeanor of the Gessler
Gessler brothers' shop, their careful brothers. This calm and thoughtful
work, and the decline of their business atmosphere allows readers to focus on
create a sense of loss. This the intricacies of the brothers’ work
atmosphere makes readers feel and the deeper implications of their
sympathy for the brothers and decline.
understand the sacrifices they make
for their craft.
 Setting

PLACE TIME SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SYMBOLIC

SYMBOLIC
The shop (19) Inside, the now contracted well of the one little
shop was more scented and darker than ever. ….
(23) "Yes," he answered, "he was a good man, he
It represents a space where quality made a good bood; but he is dead." And he touched
and personal touch are prime, in stark the top of his head, where the hair had suddenly gone
contrast to the busy, impersonal as thin as it had been on that of his poor brother …
commercial world outside. The physical (30) …When he got anorder, it took him such a time.
deterioration of the shop parallels the People won't wait. He lost everybody. And there he'd
brothers’ declining fortunes and the sit, goin' on and on--I will say that for him--not a man
fading appreciation for true in London made a better boot! But look at the
craftsmanship. competition! He never advertised! Would 'ave the
best leather, too, …
7. POINT OF VIEW &
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
Mrs. Nguyễn Thu Hà

85
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
a. Point of view:
• First – person point of view
-> the story is told from the I-character’s point of view (the I-narrator)
“I know him from the days of my extreme youth,…” (Page 1, Para 1, line
1)
“I remember that….” (Page 1, Para 2, line 4) ..etc..
=> makes the story vivid as it is told by a witness and also
participant.
-> The reader will accept and understand according to what is
experienced, seen, felt, and heard by the narrator.
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
a. Point of view:
• First – person point of view:
-> the story is told from the I-character’s point of view (the I-narrator)
“I know him from the days of my extreme youth,…” (Page 1, Para 1, line
1)
“I remember that….” (Page 1, Para 2, line 4) ..etc..
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Imager
y
Simplicity in business
The Gesslers’ shop is an unremarkable and ordinary one.
(Page 1, Para 2, line 2 and 4)
“no sign upon its face”
“in the window, a few pairs of boots”
=> Though the Gesslers are remarkable masters, they do not put
anything into the development of their business. Because all they want
is to make the finest and most suitable shoes for their clients.
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Imager
y Gessler
Mr.
The image of Mr. Gessler is composed of images of his trade, and he
himself appears before the reader.
“as if made from leather himself” (Page 1, Para 4, line 1)
“his yellow crinkly face, and crinkly reddish hair and beard, and neat
folds slanting down his cheeks to the corners of his mouth, and his
guttural and one-toned voice” (Page 1, Para 4, line 2)
“leather substance”, “stiff and slow of purpose”. (Page 1, Para 4, line 5)
=> depict the appearance of the Gessler Brothers and their attributes
as traditional, slow and quality - conscious artists. The author has
compared Mr. Gessler with leather to define both the artist and his art.
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Imager
y
Good service
Mr. Gessler appears as a very careful and attentive shoe master. He
has a personal approach to each of his clients.
“placing foot on a piece of paper, he would two or three times tickle
the outer edges with a pencil and pass his nervous fingers over my
toes, feeling himself into the heart of my requirements”
(Page 1, Para 10, line 12)
=> The image shows how responsible and reliable the master is.
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Metaphor
The atmosphere of the shop
The narrator of the story remembers in detail the shop and its
atmosphere.
“entering the church and sitting on the single wooden chair”
“soothing smell of leather, which formed the shop”,
(Page 1, Para 7, line 3,5)
“peer down” (Page 1, Para 7, line 7)
=> The Gesslers’ shop was not that busy place one might think
of, but it was always empty.
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Metaphor
Sincere love for his boots
Mr. Gessler had once made the shoes for the narrator, but they had
creaked. When the narrator told about this Mr. Gessler, he was
astonished and could not believe it, but nevertheless asked the
narrator to send those shoes back.
“A feeling of compassion for my creaking boots surged up in me, so
well could I imagine the sorrowful long curiosity of regard which he
would bend on them” (Page 2, Para 12, line 1)
=> The metaphor shows how much love the master had put into
his work.
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Iron
y
The Gessler brothers didn't compromise on the quality of their boots but
on their way of living.
"… You see he went to work in such a way! Would keep the shop on;
wouldn't have a soul touch his boots except himself. …! He never
advertised! Would 'ave the best leather, too, and do it all 'imself.” (Page
3, Para 30)
"That may be a bit flowery, as the sayin' is--…... But he made good
boots.“
(Page 3, Para 31)
=> The conversation ironically shows that industrious, diligent and
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Styl
e
The narrative of the story is tinged with the flavor of German.
The Gessler brothers are from Germany
Þ their English are fully contaminated with German.
Þ The tone and accent of the Gessler brothers is half English and half
German.
“Id shouldn’d ‘ave creaked”.
“It did. I’m afraid”.
“You god dem wed before dey found demselves?”
(Page 2, Para 11, line 6)
 7. POINT OF VIEW & FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
b. Figurative Language:
Symbols
The basic symbols are the Gessler brothers, their boots and the leather
they use.
+Their boots, made of the best leather and incarnating the very spirit of
all footgear of their ideal which stands for a supreme quality of human
nature.
+The Gessler brothers stand for their type of human beings.
+Their personal moral victory reveals the richness of human values.
+Their death symbolizes the defeat of something larger than
themselves.
+The Gessler brothers’ tragedy signifies a moral decay in search for
8. STUDENT’S
RESPONSE
Mr. Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt

96
 8. STUDENT’S RESPONSE

ASPECTS LESS APPEALING

APPRECIATED: ASPECTS:

Integrity and Predictability.

Ethics.
Poignant Ending. Limited Character
Development.
9. NEW ENDING
FOR STORY
Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết

98
 .

9. NEW ENDING FOR STORY

A warm summer day, I decided to visit the

shop, hoping to find some way to support
their brothers more substantially.

I became increasingly worried as each visit

knew that the Gessler brothers’s business
was going downhill.

Mr. Gessler said that "We couldn't keep up,"

as if speaking to himself as much as to me. I
moved by the sheer dedication and love in
those words, decided to purchase the shop.
 .

9. NEW ENDING FOR STORY

I transformed the business, maintaining the high

standards of quality, learn modern marketing,
and expand markets.

Years passed, the small shop is now thriving

business. To honor them, I hung a sigh that said
“ Gessler - Fine Bootmakers.“.

The quality of their work remains of the criteria

that customer prefer.
101