The Charcoal-Burner And The Fuller

Summary

This story tells of a charcoal-burner and a fuller, each practicing their respective trades. The charcoal-burner invites the fuller to live with him, suggesting that it would be mutually beneficial and reduce their living expenses. However, the fuller declines, pointing out the conflict between their trades. The fuller explains that living together would be problematic because the charcoal from the burner would continually blacken the fabric that he, as a fuller, works so hard to whiten. This tale highlights the idea that some partnerships or living arrangements can be inherently incompatible due to opposing natures or interests.

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A charcoal-burner carried on his trade in his own house. One day he met a friend, a Fuller, and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened. The Fuller replied, “The arrangement is impossible as far as I am concerned, for whatever I should whiten, you would immediately blacken again with your charcoal.”