Question and answers for The Verger Somerset Maugham

The Verger by W. Somerset Maugham – Detailed Answers (8–10 Marks)

1. Sketch the Character of Albert Edward Foreman.

Albert Edward Foreman is the central character in W. Somerset Maugham's short story The Verger. He is the verger of St. Peter's Church, Neville Square, London. A verger is responsible for maintaining the church and assisting during services. Foreman performs his duties with great pride, dignity, and efficiency. He has served the church faithfully for sixteen years and is highly respected by the congregation.

Foreman is an honest, hardworking, and disciplined man. Although he is unable to read or write, he never considers his illiteracy a weakness. Instead, he relies on his practical intelligence, experience, and observation. He believes that he can perform his duties well without formal education.

When the new vicar discovers that Foreman is illiterate, he insists that Foreman must learn to read and write within three months or leave his job. Foreman politely refuses because he feels he is too old to learn. He accepts his dismissal with dignity and without bitterness.

After losing his job, Foreman notices that there is no tobacco shop in a nearby street. Recognizing a business opportunity, he opens a small tobacco and newspaper shop. His business becomes successful because of his honesty, hard work, and excellent management. Over time, he opens many more shops across London and becomes a wealthy businessman.

At the end of the story, the bank manager is astonished to learn that Foreman is illiterate. He remarks that Foreman could have achieved even greater success if he had been educated. Foreman humorously replies, "If I could read and write, I'd still be verger of St. Peter's, Neville Square." This statement highlights the irony of the story.

Albert Edward Foreman represents practical wisdom, determination, and self-confidence. Through his character, Maugham shows that success depends not only on formal education but also on hard work, confidence, and the ability to recognize opportunities.

2. Explain How Albert Edward Foreman Became a Successful Businessman.

Albert Edward Foreman served as the verger of St. Peter's Church for sixteen years. He was respected for his efficiency and dedication. However, the new vicar discovered that Foreman was unable to read or write. Believing that literacy was essential, the vicar ordered him to learn within three months or resign.

Foreman chose to resign because he believed he was too old to begin learning. Although disappointed, he did not lose hope. As he walked home after leaving the church, he wished to smoke a cigarette but realized there was no tobacco shop nearby. This observation gave him an idea.

He decided to open a tobacco and newspaper shop in that location. The shop quickly became popular because there was no competition. Encouraged by his success, Foreman opened more shops in different parts of London. His honesty, business sense, and careful management helped him expand his business into a chain of successful stores.

Years later, when he visited the bank to deposit a large amount of money, the bank manager was surprised that such a wealthy businessman could neither read nor write. Foreman replied that if he had been educated, he would never have left his church job.

The story teaches that practical intelligence, observation, determination, and hard work are often more valuable than formal education. Foreman's success proves that difficulties can become opportunities for growth.

3. Discuss the Theme of Practical Wisdom versus Formal Education.

One of the central themes of The Verger is the contrast between practical wisdom and formal education.

Albert Edward Foreman is completely illiterate, yet he is intelligent, responsible, and capable. For sixteen years he performs his duties as verger perfectly. His experience, discipline, and practical knowledge make him an excellent employee.

The new vicar represents the belief that formal education is necessary for every respectable position. He cannot accept that an illiterate person can serve efficiently in the church. Therefore, he dismisses Foreman.

Ironically, losing his job leads Foreman to discover his true talent for business. His ability to observe people's needs, make good decisions, and manage money helps him become a millionaire. His success comes not from education but from practical intelligence and determination.

The bank manager's surprise when he learns that Foreman is illiterate strengthens the theme. Foreman's witty reply shows that education is valuable, but practical wisdom can sometimes lead to greater success.

Maugham does not argue against education. Instead, he suggests that education alone does not guarantee success. Qualities such as hard work, confidence, honesty, and common sense are equally important.

Thus, the story celebrates practical intelligence while recognizing the value of education.

4. Discuss the Irony in The Verger.

Irony is the most important literary device used in The Verger. The entire story is built around situations where the outcome is opposite to what readers expect.

The greatest irony is that Foreman's illiteracy causes him to lose his respectable position as the church verger. The new vicar believes that an illiterate person is unfit for the job. However, this dismissal becomes the beginning of Foreman's success.

Another irony is that the very weakness for which Foreman is criticized becomes the reason for his prosperity. If he had been able to read and write, he would never have left the church and would never have become a wealthy businessman.

The final conversation with the bank manager is also highly ironic. The manager believes that education would have made Foreman even more successful. Instead, Foreman replies, "If I could read and write, I'd still be verger of St. Peter's, Neville Square." This humorous statement reveals that his lack of education indirectly changed his life for the better.

The story also contains dramatic irony because readers gradually realize that Foreman possesses qualities far more valuable than literacy. His honesty, practical wisdom, confidence, and determination bring him success.

Through irony, Maugham shows that life's greatest opportunities often arise from unexpected failures.

5. "Every Setback Is an Opportunity in Disguise." Discuss with Reference to The Verger.

The story The Verger proves that every setback can become an opportunity if a person has confidence and determination.

Foreman's dismissal from the church is a painful experience. He loses a job he loves simply because he cannot read or write. Instead of becoming discouraged, he remains calm and accepts the situation with dignity.

While walking through the streets, he notices that there is no tobacco shop nearby. He immediately recognizes a business opportunity and opens a shop. His business succeeds because he understands people's needs and works sincerely.

As his profits increase, he opens more shops and eventually becomes one of the wealthiest businessmen in London. His failure becomes the foundation of his future success.

The story teaches that failure should not be viewed as the end of life. It can become the beginning of something greater if a person remains optimistic and hardworking.

Through Foreman's experience, Maugham encourages readers to face difficulties with courage and to look for opportunities hidden within challenges.

6. Comment on the Title The Verger.

The title The Verger is simple yet meaningful. It refers to Albert Edward Foreman, who serves as the verger of St. Peter's Church. A verger is responsible for maintaining the church and assisting in religious services.

At first glance, the story appears to be about Foreman's duties in the church. However, it gradually becomes a story about personal growth, self-confidence, and success.

Even after Foreman leaves the church, readers continue to remember him as "the verger." His former occupation becomes an important part of his identity. The title reminds readers that although he changes his profession, the values he learned as a verger—discipline, honesty, responsibility, and dedication—remain with him throughout his life.

The title also creates irony because the story ultimately focuses not on church service but on business success. Foreman's identity as the verger contrasts with his later success as a wealthy businessman.

Thus, the title is appropriate because it highlights the central character, symbolizes his dignity, and reflects the transformation that forms the heart of the story.

Conclusion

The Verger is an inspiring story that teaches that hard work, practical intelligence, confidence, and determination can lead to extraordinary success. Through Albert Edward Foreman's journey from an illiterate church verger to a wealthy businessman, W. Somerset Maugham shows that setbacks can become opportunities and that success depends not only on education but also on character, wisdom, and perseverance.