The Invention of Shoes

Gobu Rai was jealous and felt embarrassed that a simple tanner solved the problem he could not.

Step 1: Gobu Rai and all the great men could not find a solution despite racking their brains. Step 2: An old tanner, a craftsman of lower status, came and immediately suggested a simple and effective solution. Step 3: Gobu Rai's immediate response was to have the tanner arrested — not because the idea was wrong, but because it was right and simple. Step 4: Later, Gobu Rai even claims the idea was his own, showing his jealousy. Step 5: This shows Gobu Rai's pride and embarrassment, not genuine concern for the king or justice.

The system and procedures through which the king runs his kingdom

Step 1: The phrase 'royal machinery' is used when the king explains why he cannot stay indoors all the time. Step 2: The word 'machinery' here is used as a metaphor. Step 3: Just like a machine has many parts working together, a kingdom has many duties — meetings, judgments, decisions — that the king must perform. Step 4: The glossary in the text defines 'the royal machinery' as 'the system and procedures of the kingdom'. Step 5: The other options — cooking machines, weapons, or tanner's tools — are incorrect interpretations of this phrase.

Gobu Rai was lying to save his pride and take credit for the tanner's brilliant idea.

Step 1: Throughout the story, Gobu Rai worried, perspired, and gathered all the great men — but none of them could find a solution. Step 2: The old tanner alone came up with the simple and correct solution. Step 3: After seeing it work, Gobu Rai claims it was his own idea — this is clearly untrue because if he had the idea, he would have said so earlier. Step 4: This shows Gobu Rai is dishonest and wants to protect his reputation. Step 5: The text itself asks: 'Do you think this is the truth?' — hinting that the reader should see through Gobu Rai's false claim.

The scientists thought too big and complicated, while the tanner used practical, simple thinking.

Step 1: The scientists tried solutions like sweeping the entire kingdom, flooding it with water, covering it with carpets, and wrapping the whole earth in leather. Step 2: All these ideas tried to change the entire world to suit the king. Step 3: The tanner, however, thought simply — instead of changing the world, change what is on the king's feet. Step 4: This is a key lesson: the simplest solution to a problem is often the best one. Step 5: The story shows that practical wisdom can be more valuable than book learning or grand plans.