15 Questions
What is the main theme of the story about Mr. Gessler, the German shoemaker?
The artistry and dedication of a shoemaker
Where was Mr. Gessler's shop located?
In a small by-street in a fashionable part of London
What distinguished Mr. Gessler's shop?
It had no sign other than the name Gessler Brothers and displayed only a few pairs of boots in the window
What was unique about the boots made by Mr. Gessler?
They were only made to order and never failed to fit
What did the narrator find mysterious and wonderful about Mr. Gessler's work?
The process of making the boots and their quality
How does Mr. Gessler describe boot making?
"It is an art." (said with a German accent) lasted terribly: lasted very long
What does the narrator imply by saying 'One went in, not as into most shops, but restfully, as one enters a church'?
The narrator found Mr. Gessler's shop to be peaceful and calming.
How did Mr. Gessler respond when the narrator mentioned that the last pair of boots creaked?
He expressed regret and promised to fix the issue.
What did Mr. Gessler mean by 'You god dem wed before dey found demselves' in response to the creaking boots?
The boots needed time to settle and adapt to the wearer's feet.
Why did Mr. Gessler say 'Dose are nod my boods' when the narrator wore a pair of emergency boots into his shop?
The boots were not made by him and did not meet his quality standards.
What emotion did the narrator feel after mentioning that the last pair of boots creaked and Mr. Gessler seemed regretful?
Sympathetic
What does the comparison between the smell of leather and incense imply?
The smell of leather is soothing and reminiscent of a sacred place like incense.
How would you describe Mr. Gessler's attitude towards his craft based on the text?
Dedicated
What does the phrase 'as if awakened from some dream of boots' reveal about Mr. Gessler?
He was constantly dreaming about making boots.
What does the comparison between entering Mr. Gessler's shop and entering a church suggest?
Mr. Gessler's shop was calm and peaceful like a church.
Study Notes
Mr. Gessler's Story
- The story revolves around Mr. Gessler, a German shoemaker, and his exceptional craftsmanship.
Mr. Gessler's Shop
- Mr. Gessler's shop is located in a quiet street, and its unique feature is the pleasant smell of leather, reminiscent of incense.
- The shop is distinguished by its peaceful atmosphere, which makes customers feel restful, like entering a church.
Boots Made by Mr. Gessler
- Mr. Gessler's boots are unique because they are carefully handcrafted, making each pair distinct.
- The narrator finds Mr. Gessler's work mysterious and wonderful, implying that it's an art form.
Mr. Gessler's Approach to Boot Making
- According to Mr. Gessler, boot making is an art that requires patience, dedication, and attention to detail.
- He describes it as a gradual process, saying 'You god dem wed before dey found demselves', implying that the boots develop their character over time.
Mr. Gessler's Response to Criticism
- When the narrator mentions that the last pair of boots creaked, Mr. Gessler responds with regret.
- When the narrator wears a pair of emergency boots into his shop, Mr. Gessler says 'Dose are nod my boods', indicating that those boots are not his creations and do not meet his standards.
The Narrator's Emotions and Implications
- The narrator feels sympathy and concern after mentioning that the last pair of boots creaked and Mr. Gessler seemed regretful.
- The comparison between the smell of leather and incense implies a sense of reverence and respect for the craftsmanship.
Mr. Gessler's Attitude towards His Craft
- Mr. Gessler's attitude towards his craft is one of dedication, passion, and pride.
- The phrase 'as if awakened from some dream of boots' reveals that Mr. Gessler is deeply absorbed in his work and has a deep connection to it.
Entering Mr. Gessler's Shop
- The comparison between entering Mr. Gessler's shop and entering a church suggests a sense of reverence, respect, and tranquility.
Read and test your understanding of the story 'Mr. Gessler the Shoemaker' which explores the question of whether a shoemaker can be considered an artist, and delves into the dedication of Mr. Gessler to his craft.
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