The Verger

The Verger

Summary of "The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham

"The Verger" is a story about Albert Edward Foreman, a man who has been a verger (a church caretaker) at St. Peter’s Church for 16 years. He is dedicated to his job, and although he is illiterate, his lack of formal education has never affected his performance. However, one day, a new vicar joins the church and, upon learning that Foreman cannot read or write, insists that he must either learn these skills or resign. Unwilling to be coerced into something he has managed without for so long, Foreman calmly but firmly resigns from his position.

As Foreman walks through the streets after his resignation, he decides to open a small tobacco shop. The shop becomes a great success, and he eventually expands his business to several locations. Years later, Foreman is a wealthy man with a large bank account, and when the bank manager expresses surprise at how Foreman achieved so much despite his illiteracy, Foreman humbly remarks on what he might have become had he been able to read and write.

Albert Foreman’s success is a testament to his assertiveness. Instead of feeling defeated when faced with the vicar's ultimatum, he made a calm and clear decision to leave his job and pursue a path that suited his strengths and values. Assertiveness involves standing up for oneself without aggression, and Foreman exemplifies this by refusing to be pressured into changing who he is. His belief in his capabilities, despite societal norms, allowed him to turn what appeared to be a setback into an opportunity for growth and prosperity. Through his confident decision-making and self-assured demeanor, Foreman demonstrates that assertiveness is key to achieving personal success.

One-line questions-Answers:

1. What was Albert Edward Foreman’s profession?

He was the verger at St. Peter’s Church.

2. How long had he been the verger at St. Peter’s Church?

Alward Edward had been working at St, Peter’s for 16 years.

3. Why was Albert Edward asked to resign from his position?

He was asked to resign because he couldn’t read or write.

4. Who discovered that the verger was illiterate?

The new vicar discovered it.

5. What did the vicar ask Foreman to do to keep his job?

He asked him to learn to read and write within three months.

6. What was Foreman’s reaction to the ultimatum given by the vicar?

He resigned from his position.

7. What business did Foreman start after resigning as the verger?

He opened a tobacconist and newsagent shop.

8. Why did Foreman choose to open a tobacconist shop?

He noticed there were no shops selling cigarettes in a particular street.

9. How successful was Foreman’s business?

His business flourished, and he eventually opened several shops.

10. How many shops did Foreman own by the end of the story?

He owned ten shops.

11. What was Foreman’s attitude toward reading and writing?

He believed it wasn’t necessary for him, as he had managed well without it.

12. What did the bank manager suggest to Foreman regarding his money?

The manager suggested he invest his money instead of keeping it on deposit.

13. How much money did Foreman have in the bank?

He had over thirty thousand pounds.

14. Why was the bank manager surprised by Foreman?

He was surprised that Foreman had built a successful business despite being illiterate.

15. What did Foreman say he would be if he could read and write?

He said he would have remained the verger of St. Peter’s.

16. What is the key theme highlighted in "The Verger"?

The story highlights self-confidence, adaptability, and the power of assertiveness.

17. What personal quality helped Foreman succeed in his new venture?

His self-assurance and entrepreneurial instincts helped him succeed.

18. Why didn’t Foreman try to learn to read and write earlier in life?

He said he never had the time and didn't feel the need for it.

19. What does the story suggest about formal education and success?

The story suggests that formal education isn't the only path to success.

20. What was Foreman’s attitude towards his old job after becoming successful?

He had no regrets and believed he had made the right decision to move on.

Texual Question Answers:

1. Who is Albert Edward?

Albert Edward Foreman is the main character in Somerset Maugham’s story "The Verger." He is a simple, dignified man who serves as the verger at St. Peter’s Church. He is responsible for organizing church services and assisting the clergy. Albert is proud of his work, carrying out his duties meticulously for sixteen years. Despite his illiteracy, he takes great pride in his role and is highly respected by the parishioners. His dedication and calm demeanor reflect his satisfaction with his life.

2. How long has he been working at his job?

Albert Edward Foreman has been working as the verger at St. Peter’s Church for sixteen years. Throughout this time, he has performed his duties with great care and commitment. He had served under three different vicars during his tenure. Despite the changes in leadership, he remained a steady and efficient presence in the church. His long service demonstrates his reliability and sense of responsibility towards his work, making him a well-regarded figure in the community.

3. What is his attitude to the new vicar?

Albert Edward is initially respectful but somewhat wary of the new vicar. The vicar represents modern thinking and is more progressive than the previous ones, which makes Albert feel uncomfortable. He is used to tradition and finds it challenging to adapt to the new vicar’s expectations, especially when the vicar confronts him about his inability to read and write. While Albert maintains his usual calm composure, he quietly disapproves of the vicar’s interference in his long-standing role. Nevertheless, he respects the vicar’s authority but is not intimidated by him.

4. What problem does Albert face in his career?

Albert’s problem arises when the new vicar learns that he is illiterate. The vicar insists that Albert learn to read and write, suggesting that his illiteracy is inappropriate for someone in his position. Albert, however, is content with his life and sees no need for such skills, having managed his duties without them for so long. Faced with the vicar’s ultimatum—learn to read and write or resign—Albert chooses to resign rather than compromise his principles or change his way of life. This decision ends his long career as a verger.

5. How does he face the critical situation that he no longer has a job?

After resigning from his position as the verger, Albert Edward faces the critical situation with remarkable calm and assertiveness. Instead of feeling defeated, he sees it as an opportunity to move on with his life. While walking through a neighborhood, he notices a street without a tobacconist shop. Seizing the chance, he decides to open one. His confidence and business acumen lead him to success. He doesn’t dwell on the past but instead uses his observation and initiative to build a new and prosperous future for himself.

6. How does he set up a new business and prosper in it?

Albert sets up his new business by opening a small tobacconist and newsagent shop in a street where he notices there is no such establishment. His keen observation of the area’s needs and his practical experience with people help him make this business decision. He starts small, working hard, and gradually expands by opening more shops in different locations. His determination, combined with his natural business sense, helps him prosper. Over time, he opens several more shops, becoming a successful businessman without the need for literacy skills.

7. Why does the bank manager want to speak to Albert Edward?

The bank manager wants to speak to Albert Edward because Albert has accumulated a large sum of money—over thirty thousand pounds—deposited in the bank. The manager is impressed by the substantial amount and suggests that Albert invest his money instead of keeping it idle in a deposit account. The manager sees an opportunity to guide Albert in making his money grow further and believes that someone with such a successful business would benefit from better financial management.

8. What does the bank manager come to know about Albert Edward?

During their conversation, the bank manager learns that Albert Edward is illiterate. This revelation surprises him, as he cannot imagine how someone could achieve such financial success without being able to read or write. Albert casually mentions that he never learned to read or write because he never found it necessary. This insight into Albert’s life shocks the manager, who assumed literacy was essential for running a business, let alone building such a thriving enterprise.

9. Why is the bank manager surprised?

The bank manager is surprised because Albert Edward has built a successful chain of tobacconist shops despite being illiterate. In the manager’s mind, literacy is a fundamental skill for anyone conducting business, especially someone managing a significant amount of money. The fact that Albert has done so well without reading or writing challenges the manager’s assumptions about education and success. He is astonished that Albert could navigate the business world with such ease and competence while lacking what the manager considers a basic skill.

10. What is your opinion about the last sentence of the story?

The last sentence of the story is both ironic and thought-provoking. Albert Edward says, "If I had been able to read and write, I’d still be the verger of St. Peter’s." This highlights the irony that his illiteracy, which was seen as a disadvantage, ultimately led to his greater success. It suggests that not all skills deemed essential by society are necessary for everyone. Albert’s inability to read and write, far from being a limitation, forced him to find a new path that led him to greater financial and personal fulfillment. The sentence challenges the conventional notion of success and reflects the story’s theme of assertiveness and self-reliance.

Short Notes:

1. Albert Edward

Albert Edward Foreman, the central character in The Verger, is a man of quiet dignity, deeply rooted in tradition. Hough he is illiterate, his pridre, confidence, resourcefulness, and resistance to change define his character. He faces life's challenges with calm determination. Albert's assertiveness and self-reliance lead him to success and proves that formal education is not the only path to achievement.

Pride in His Work:

Albert Edward Foreman takes great pride in his job as the verger at St. Peter's Church. For sixteen years, he has worked with dedication, carefully doing all his tasks. He even presses and irons his own gown, which represents his position, and he carries out his role with quiet dignity. His pride comes from his love of tradition and his strong sense of responsibility to the church and its people.

Illiteracy and Confidence:

Even though Albert cannot read or write, he never lets this stop him from doing his job well. He remains confident and relies on his experience and common sense. His lack of education doesn’t lower his self-esteem. He knows what he is capable of and trusts his skills. When the new vicar worries about his illiteracy, Albert stays calm, believing his ability to do his job is more important than reading or writing.

Resistance to Change:

Albert is a man who values tradition and prefers the old ways. He feels uneasy with the new vicar's modern approach and misses the calm, dignified style of the previous vicar. When the vicar demands that Albert learn to read and write or leave his job, Albert’s unwillingness to change becomes clear. Rather than give in to the new rules, he chooses to leave, showing his independence and self-respect.

Calm Under Crisis:

When Albert loses his job, he remains calm and thoughtful. Instead of panicking or feeling hopeless, he quietly thinks about his next steps and makes a practical plan for his future. His calmness during a tough time shows his strong character and ability to stay steady. He doesn't let losing his job bring him down.

Resourcefulness and Business Acumen:

Albert's resourcefulness is seen when he decides to open a tobacconist shop after noticing a need in the market. His sharp observation and practical thinking lead him to success, even though he has no formal education. His business grows, and he eventually opens several shops, showing his good judgment and natural talent for business.

A Man of Quiet Assertiveness:

Albert is quietly assertive. He makes decisions based on his own values and doesn’t let others push him into doing things he disagrees with. His refusal to learn to read and write, as well as his decision to start his own business shows that he is confident in his abilities and takes charge of his life. His success proves that his assertiveness and self-reliance are key parts of his character.

2. Vicar in The Verger

In Somerset Maugham's "The Verger," the new vicar at St. Peter's Church plays a pivotal role in the life of Albert Edward Foreman. His arrival brings significant changes to the church and challenges the status quo.

Young and Energetic:

The new vicar is a red-faced, energetic man in his early forties. His youthful vigor contrasts sharply with the older, more traditional vicar he replaces. He is full of enthusiasm and eager to make his mark on the church.

Modern and Progressive:

Coming from the East End, the new vicar brings with him modern ideas and a progressive approach to church management. He believes in updating practices and aligning the church with contemporary standards. His forward-thinking mindset sets him apart from his predecessor.

Hands-On Leadership:

He likes to have his "finger in every pie," meaning he involves himself in all aspects of the church's operations. He is not content to let things run as they always have; instead, he actively seeks to improve and oversee every detail. This hands-on approach reflects his desire for control and efficiency.

Strict and Authoritative:

The new vicar is strict about rules and standards. When he discovers that Albert Edward cannot read or write, he is astonished and deems it unacceptable for a verger in such a prominent church. He insists that Albert must learn these skills within three months or resign, showing his authoritative nature.

Lack of Appreciation for Tradition:

Unlike the previous vicar, who was tolerant and valued Albert's service despite his illiteracy, the new vicar does not appreciate the traditional ways. He prioritizes formal qualifications over experience and dedication. This lack of understanding causes tension between him and Albert.

Unintended Catalyst for Change:

Though his actions lead to Albert Edward losing his job, the new vicar inadvertently becomes the catalyst for Albert's subsequent success in business. His rigid stance forces Albert to step out of his comfort zone and pursue a new path, leading to greater prosperity.

Conclusion:

The new vicar in "The Verger" is characterized by his modern outlook, energy, and strict adherence to standards. His inability to appreciate long-standing traditions and the value of experience highlights the conflict between progress and tradition. While he aims to improve the church, his lack of empathy and rigid approach create unintended consequences, demonstrating how change can disrupt as well as advance.

3. Assertive Skills in The Verger

In Somerset Maugham’s The Verger, Albert Edward Foreman demonstrates assertive skills in various critical moments of the story. Assertiveness is the ability to express one's needs, opinions, and feelings confidently and calmly, without aggression. Throughout the narrative, Albert showcases his assertiveness in handling challenges with dignity, self-respect, and clear decision-making.

Standing Firm in His Values:

One of the earliest examples of Albert’s assertiveness is when the new vicar insists that Albert learn to read and write. Albert respectfully but firmly refuses, stating, “I’m afraid I couldn’t do that, sir.” He acknowledges his inability without shame and refuses to conform to the vicar’s demand to learn literacy, despite knowing the consequences. Albert remains composed and stands by his long-standing career achievements, even when threatened with dismissal.

Calm Under Pressure:

When Albert is told he will lose his job as verger if he doesn’t learn to read and write, he doesn’t panic or argue. Instead, he listens calmly, accepts the decision, and gracefully resigns. This ability to stay composed and not let emotions dictate his actions is a clear example of assertiveness. He doesn’t plead for his job or show signs of insecurity, which highlights his self-confidence and control over the situation.

Making Rational Decisions:

After losing his job, Albert doesn’t waste time feeling sorry for himself. Instead, he immediately begins thinking of alternatives, demonstrating proactive problem-solving—a key assertive trait. He comes up with the idea to start a tobacconist shop when he notices a business opportunity during his walk through the neighbourhood. His confidence in his ability to adapt and move forward shows how he asserts control over his life and career without relying on others.

Taking Ownership of His Future:

Albert doesn’t let the loss of his job define him. Instead, he takes ownership of his future by starting his own business. He invests in a tobacconist and newsagent shop, where he uses his experience and understanding of people to thrive. His assertiveness shines through in his willingness to take risks and believe in his ability to succeed without formal education. Albert shows that assertiveness isn’t just about standing up for oneself but also about taking bold steps toward personal growth.

Refusing to Be Overwhelmed by Circumstances:

Even when Albert becomes successful in his business, he remains assertive in his interactions with others, including the bank manager. When the manager is surprised by Albert’s financial success despite his illiteracy, Albert responds calmly and confidently. He doesn’t feel the need to justify himself or feel inferior. Instead, he maintains his self-respect and lets his accomplishments speak for themselves.

Conclusion:

Throughout The Verger, Albert Edward Foreman exemplifies assertive skills in his interactions, decision-making, and handling of critical situations. His calm confidence, refusal to compromise his values, and proactive approach to problem-solving demonstrate how assertiveness helps him navigate life’s challenges and ultimately find greater success.