1.What was the author’s opinion about Mr. Gessler as a bootmaker?
Explanation:
The author had a very high opinion of Mr. Gessler's skills as a bootmaker. The author considered boot-making as an art, and Mr. Gessler's boots never failed to fit. The quality of the boots was exceptional, and he always used the best possible leather.
2. Why did the author visit the shop so infrequently?
Explanation:
The author did not need to visit the shop often as the shoes made by Mr. Gessler were of such superior quality that they were very durable and lasted for a long time. Additionally, the author would order many pairs of shoes at once, which reduced the frequency of his visits.
3.What was the effect on Mr. Gessler of the author’s remark about a certain pair of boots?
Explanation:
Mr. Gessler was stunned when the author complained about a certain pair of boots made by him. He looked at the author without replying and lowered his eyes as if he was hunting the memory of those boots. Mr. Gessler turned grave and asked the author to send the boots back so that he could take a look at them.
4.What was Mr. Gessler’s complaint against “big firms”?
Explanation:
Mr. Gessler complained that "big firms" had no self-respect and did not care about the quality of their products. They focused on advertising to attract customers rather than the quality of their work. Mr. Gessler believed that such firms took away business from craftsmen like him who took pride in their work.
5.Why did the author order so many pairs of boots? Did he really need them?
Explanation:
The author ordered many pairs of shoes out of sympathy for Mr. Gessler, who had grown weak and old and was struggling financially. The author wanted to help the poor shoemaker by placing orders for multiple pairs of shoes. However, the author did not really need so many pairs of boots.
6.Do you think Mr. Gessler was more skilled as a bootmaker or as a businessman?
Explanation:
While Mr. Gessler was an exceptional bootmaker, he lacked the skills necessary to succeed as a businessman. His insistence on making every pair of shoes himself caused delays in delivery and resulted in losing some of his old clients. He also did not advertise to attract new customers. Therefore, while he was skilled as a bootmaker, he struggled as a businessman.
7.What is the significance of the title "Quality"?
Explanation:
The title "Quality" refers to the exceptional quality of the boots made by Mr. Gessler. He was an artist and a perfectionist, and he was committed to making shoes of the highest possible quality. Despite his poverty and hardship, he never compromised on the quality of his work. Thus, the title is fitting because it emphasizes the central importance of quality in the story.
8.Can you imitate the way Mr. Gessler speaks English?
Explanation:
Mr. Gessler's English is influenced by his German background, and he speaks with a distinctive accent. He tends to replace some hard consonants like p, t, and k with softer sounds like b, d, and g. To imitate his speech, I might say something like: "It comes and never sdbops. Does it bother me? Nod at all. Ask my brodder, please."
9.What are the shopping preferences of the adults in your neighborhood?
Explanation:
This will vary depending on the individual's preferences and circumstances. Some may prefer to buy their provisions in plastic packets from a big store, while others may prefer to buy loose items from smaller stores near their homes. Regarding footwear, some may prefer to buy branded shoes while others may prefer to buy locally-made footwear. The reasons for their preferences may vary, such as price, quality, or personal preference. Similarly, some may buy ready-made clothes while others may prefer to buy cloth and have their clothes stitched by a tailor. The choice may depend on factors such as cost, convenience, and individual style preferences.
10.What are some activities that involve trees or in which trees participate?
Explanation:
Trees can be used in various games and activities, such as swinging on a tree swing, hiding behind a tree in a game of hide and seek, or building treehouses. Trees also provide shade, which can be used for tea parties or simply to relax in during hot weather. Trees provide fruits, clean air, and timber for building. Additionally, trees can play a role in outdoor decor and landscaping.
11.Trees are to make no shade in winter." What does this mean? (Contrast this line with the line immediately before it.)
Explanation:
This line means that in winter, the sun's rays are not as strong, so shade is not as necessary. This is in contrast to the previous line, which talks about how trees provide shade in the summer when the sun is intense.
12."Trees are for apples to grow on, or pears." Do you agree that one purpose of a tree is to have fruit on it? Or do you think this line is humorous?
Explanation:
Yes, one of the purposes of a tree is to bear fruit, so the line is not humorous.
13.Can you compose a poem similar to the one about trees, but about water or air?
Explanation:
Air is for breathing and living free,
Air is for birds to fly with glee,
Air is for winds to blow and sway,
Air is for kites to soar and play.
Water is for drinking and quenching thirst,
Water is for life, both last and first,
Water is for fish to swim and thrive,
Water is for boats to sail and dive.