VERGER
SOMERSET
MAUGHAM
"The
Verger" is a short story written by W. Somerset Maugham. It revolves
around a simple, uneducated man named Albert Edward, who serves as a verger at
a church. The story explores themes of class, education, and the idea that
success doesn't always depend on formal education.
Introduction to
Albert Edward
Albert Edward is a
middle-aged man who has been working as a verger in St. Peter’s Church in the
town of St. Peter’s for many years. His job is to take care of the church’s
day-to-day tasks, such as lighting the candles, cleaning the church, and
organizing the services. He is a kind, hard-working, and honest man, but he
lacks formal education. Albert never learned to read or write because, as a
child, he was very poor, and his family couldn’t afford schooling. Despite
this, Albert is a reliable and trusted employee who has served the church for
more than 16 years.
Albert is very proud
of his job and has great respect for the church. He likes to keep everything
neat and orderly, and he takes his responsibilities very seriously. Even though
he is not highly educated, he has a deep understanding of his work and the people
he serves. His relationship with the parishioners is one of respect and trust,
as they all know Albert is dependable.
The Church and the
Priest
Albert’s life takes a
turn when the new vicar, who is a learned and educated man, arrives at the
church. The vicar is a man of education and is keen to bring changes to the
church. He notices that Albert, despite being a faithful and devoted servant,
is uneducated and cannot read or write. This bothers the vicar, who believes
that a man in such a position should be able to read and write, especially in a
church setting where literacy is important for conducting services and reading
scriptures.
One day, the vicar
asks Albert to come to his office. The vicar, in a very polite and gentle way,
suggests to Albert that he should learn to read and write. He explains that as
the verger of the church, Albert should be able to read the Bible, hymns, and
other important documents. Albert is a bit uncomfortable with the suggestion
because he has never been taught to read or write, and he is proud of his work.
He doesn’t see the need for education in performing his duties. He has always
done his job perfectly well without it. However, the vicar insists, and Albert
reluctantly agrees to try and learn.
Albert’s Decision to
Resign
Albert tries to learn
how to read and write, but he finds it difficult. He struggles with the lessons
and begins to feel embarrassed and discouraged. After several weeks of trying,
Albert decides that he is not able to learn to read and write and that it is
beyond him. He feels that he is simply too old to change. He comes to the
conclusion that he cannot continue working in the church if the vicar expects
him to be literate. So, Albert makes the difficult decision to resign from his
position as the verger.
Albert’s resignation
shocks the vicar and the church staff. They cannot understand why he would
leave a job he has done so well for so long just because he cannot learn to
read or write. Albert is very calm and determined when he tells them that he
feels he has no other choice. He gives his resignation letter to the vicar, and
the church officials are left to find a replacement.
Albert’s New Business
Venture
After resigning from
the church, Albert is uncertain about what to do with his life. He has always
worked at the church and never thought about doing anything else. However, he
eventually decides to open a small business. Since he knows how to light a fire,
clean, and organize things, Albert opens a small tobacconist shop. He works
hard and is dedicated to making the business a success. Though he cannot read
or write, Albert has a natural sense of business and a good understanding of
people. He knows what products to sell and how to treat his customers well.
Albert's shop becomes
very successful. Over time, he becomes wealthy and well-respected in the
community. He is able to live comfortably and even hire others to work for him.
He continues to be content with his life, even though he still cannot read or write.
He never feels the need to learn, as he has found success and happiness through
his own hard work, common sense, and perseverance.
The Irony of the
Story
The irony of the
story lies in the fact that Albert, despite his lack of formal education,
becomes more successful in life after leaving the church than he ever was as
the verger. In contrast to the vicar, who believed that education was necessary
for success, Albert shows that it is possible to succeed without formal
education. Albert’s natural abilities—his hard work, dedication, and
understanding of people—are more important than the education that the vicar
believed was necessary for his job.
In the end, Albert’s
success in his tobacconist shop serves as a reminder that success is not always
determined by formal education or academic qualifications. Sometimes, people
can achieve great things through perseverance, hard work, and the ability to
understand and adapt to the world around them. Albert’s story also illustrates
the importance of self-confidence and staying true to oneself, even when faced
with challenges or setbacks.
Conclusion
"The
Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham is a story that challenges the conventional
notion that education is the key to success. Through the character of Albert,
Maugham demonstrates that people can find success and fulfillment in life
through their natural abilities, hard work, and determination. The story
highlights the value of practical knowledge and the importance of following
one’s instincts. While formal education may be beneficial, it is not the only
path to success. Albert’s journey from a simple church verger to a successful
businessman shows that success can come in many different forms, and it is not
always tied to academic achievements. The story also speaks to the theme of
class and how society often places value on education and social status, but
Albert’s story proves that true success lies in one’s ability to adapt and make
the most of what they have.
Answer the following questions in one word/ phrase/
sentence
1. Who is the author of
"The Verger"?
Ans: The author is W. Somerset Maugham.
2. What is the main
occupation of Albert Edward in the story?
Ans: Albert Edward
works as a verger at St. Peter's
Church.
3. What is a verger's
job?
Ans: A verger's job
is to take care of the church, including lighting candles, cleaning, and
organizing services.
4. Where does the story
take place?
Ans: The story takes
place in St. Peter's Church in
an unnamed town.
5. How long had Albert
Edward worked as the verger?
Ans: Albert Edward
had worked as the verger for 16 years.
6. What is Albert’s
character like?
Ans: Albert is honest, hard-working, and good-natured.
7. Why is Albert Edward
proud of his job as the verger?
Ans: Albert is proud
of his job because he does it well, even though he is uneducated.
8. What is the problem
with Albert Edward's education?
Ans: Albert cannot read or write because he was never
taught as a child.
9. Who is the new vicar
in the story?
Ans: The new vicar is
an educated man who believes
that Albert should learn to read and write.
10. What does the vicar
want Albert to do?
Ans: The vicar wants
Albert to learn to read and write.
11. How does Albert feel
about learning to read and write?
Ans: Albert feels uncomfortable and embarrassed about learning to read and
write.
12. Why does Albert
decide to leave his job as a verger?
Ans: Albert decides
to leave because he cannot learn to read or write and feels that he is not
suited for the job anymore.
13. What does Albert do
after resigning from the church?
Ans: Albert decides
to open a tobacconist shop.
14. Does Albert succeed
in his new business?
Ans: Yes, Albert
becomes very successful with his
shop.
15. What does Albert's
business show about him?
Ans: Albert’s success
shows that hard work and common sense can lead to success, even
without formal education.
16. How does Albert feel
after he opens his shop?
Ans: Albert feels happy and content in his new job.
17. What lesson does the
story teach about education?
Ans: The story
teaches that formal education is
not always necessary for success.
18. Who is the character
that insists Albert should learn to read and write?
Ans: The character is
the vicar.
19. How does the vicar
react when Albert resigns?
Ans: The vicar is surprised and disappointed when Albert resigns.
20. What business does
Albert start after leaving the church?
Ans: Albert opens a tobacconist shop.
21. What is the primary
reason Albert cannot learn to read or write?
Ans: Albert cannot
learn because he was never taught
when he was young.
22. What does Albert sell
in his tobacconist shop?
Ans: Albert sells tobacco and other related products.
23. How does Albert
manage his tobacconist shop despite being illiterate?
Ans: Albert uses his common sense and good understanding of
people to run the business.
24. How is Albert’s
tobacconist shop different from his life as a verger?
Ans: The shop is
successful, and Albert is his own boss,
while as a verger, he was simply serving the church.
25. How do the villagers
react to Albert’s success in the business?
Ans: The villagers
are impressed and respectful of Albert’s success.
26. What is the irony in
the story?
Ans: The irony is
that Albert succeeds in business
without education, while the vicar, who is educated, does not see the practical
skills in Albert.
27. How is Albert’s work
ethic important to his success?
Ans: Albert's dedication and hard work help him succeed in his business.
28. What does Albert’s
success say about formal education?
Ans: It shows that success does not always depend on formal
education.
29. How does the vicar
view Albert's work as the verger?
Ans: The vicar
believes that Albert's work is insufficient because he cannot read or write.
30. What is Albert’s
attitude toward his resignation?
Ans: Albert is calm and confident about his decision to resign.
31. What was Albert’s
relationship with the church before the resignation?
Ans: Albert had a respectful and dedicated relationship with the church.
32. How does Albert feel
after resigning from his post?
Ans: Albert feels relieved and content with his new path.
33. What does the vicar
do when Albert resigns?
Ans: The vicar is shocked and tries to convince Albert
not to leave.
34. What is Albert’s
financial situation after he starts the tobacconist business?
Ans: Albert becomes wealthy and comfortable from his business.
35. How does Albert's
life change after he leaves the church?
Ans: Albert becomes financially successful and more
independent.
36. What type of business
does Albert start?
Ans: Albert starts a tobacconist shop.
37. How does Albert’s
story reflect the theme of self-reliance?
Ans: Albert’s success
shows that he can rely on his own abilities
and work ethic instead of formal
education.
38. Why does the vicar
think Albert needs education?
Ans: The vicar thinks
Albert needs education because he believes that a verger should be able to read
and write.
39. How does the new
vicar view Albert?
Ans: The new vicar
views Albert as unfit for his
job because he cannot read or write.
40. How does the story
challenge traditional views on education?
Ans: The story shows
that success does not always
depend on academic achievements.
41. What motivates Albert
to open his shop?
Ans: Albert is
motivated by the need to earn a living after resigning from his job at the
church.
42. What is the outcome
of Albert’s new business venture?
Ans: Albert’s
business is successful, and he
becomes prosperous.
43. What does the story
suggest about the value of formal education?
Ans: The story
suggests that practical knowledge
and experience can be just as valuable, if not more so, than formal education.
44. Who is the main
character in the story?
Ans: The main
character is Albert Edward, the
verger.
45. What does the vicar
want Albert to do in the church?
Ans: The vicar wants
Albert to learn to read and write.
46. How does Albert feel
about learning to read and write?
Ans: Albert feels uncomfortable and ashamed of not being able to learn to
read and write.
47. How does Albert’s
story end?
Ans: Albert becomes a
wealthy businessman and lives a
content life.
48. Why does Albert think
he cannot continue as a verger?
Ans: Albert thinks he
cannot continue as a verger because he cannot read or write.
49. What lesson can we
learn from Albert’s life?
Ans: The lesson is
that hard work and common sense can lead to success, even
without formal education.
50. What does the vicar
fail to understand about Albert?
Ans: The vicar fails
to understand that Albert’s practical
skills and hard work are more important than formal education.
SHORT NOTES
1.
ALBERT EDWARD
Albert
Edward is the main character in "The Verger." He works as the verger
at St. Peter’s Church for sixteen years. He is a hardworking and honest man who
takes pride in his duties, despite being illiterate. Albert has never learned
to read or write, but he manages the church well through his good sense and
practical skills. He is respected by the community for his dedication and
reliability. However, his life takes a turn when the new vicar insists that he
learn to read and write. Albert, uncomfortable with the idea of formal
education, resigns from his job as a verger. He later opens a tobacconist shop,
where he becomes very successful. His story suggests that education is not
always necessary for success, and that practical experience and hard work can
be more valuable in life.
2. THE
VICAR
The
vicar is a new, educated man who arrives at St. Peter's Church. He is highly
intellectual and believes that Albert Edward should learn to read and write in
order to properly perform his duties as a verger. He is the main source of
conflict in the story, as he challenges Albert’s abilities and questions his
value in the role due to his illiteracy. The vicar represents the importance of
formal education, and he is puzzled by Albert's ability to manage the church
without literacy. When Albert resigns, the vicar is disappointed and tries to
convince him to stay. His character is a representation of the belief that
education and formal skills are necessary for success, which contrasts with
Albert's later success in a non-academic business. The vicar’s failure to
understand Albert’s practical skills highlights the theme of practical
knowledge versus formal education.
3. THE
CHURCHWARDEN
The
churchwarden is a character in the story who serves as a representative of the
church and its responsibilities. He is involved in the decision-making process
regarding Albert’s future as the verger. While he plays a minor role in the
narrative, his presence is significant in establishing the expectations of the
church and its role in Albert’s life. The churchwarden, like the vicar, holds
the belief that Albert should improve his education. However, his role is more
administrative, and he plays a secondary part in the conflict between Albert
and the vicar. He supports the idea that Albert should be more educated, but he
does not actively interfere in Albert's decision to leave the church. His
character represents the traditional viewpoint of education being necessary for
one to maintain a position of responsibility within the church or society.
4. THE
SHOPKEEPER
The
shopkeeper in "The Verger" is a character who plays a small, yet
important, role in Albert's life after he resigns from his post as verger.
After leaving the church, Albert opens a tobacconist shop and becomes very
successful. The shopkeeper is a reflection of the new life that Albert begins
after his resignation. Although he does not play a central role in the plot,
the shopkeeper represents the opportunities that arise for Albert once he
leaves the church. Albert’s ability to succeed in business, despite being
illiterate, challenges the idea that one needs formal education to achieve
success. The shopkeeper’s role also reflects the theme of independence, as
Albert becomes self-reliant and takes control of his future. His success in the
business world is a direct result of his practical knowledge and hard work,
which the shopkeeper witnesses and possibly even admires.
5. THE
TOWNSPEOPLE
The
townspeople in "The Verger" are the individuals in the community who
witness Albert Edward’s life and changes. They are important as they reflect
the societal attitudes toward Albert’s work as a verger and later as a
businessman. When Albert works as a verger, the townspeople see him as a
reliable, though uneducated, man who takes care of the church. They respect him
for his dedication. However, after Albert opens his tobacconist shop and
becomes successful, the townspeople are surprised and impressed by his ability
to succeed without formal education. Their view of Albert changes, and they
recognize his practical intelligence and hard work. The townspeople play a key
role in highlighting the contrast between Albert’s humble beginnings and his
later success, reinforcing the story's theme that education is not always
necessary for achieving success. Their admiration for Albert also suggests that
people value results more than formal qualifications.
Critical Appreciation of "The
Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham
Ans: W. Somerset Maugham’s short story, The Verger, is
a brilliant exploration of themes such as education, social status, and the
value of practical knowledge. Set in a church, the story revolves around the
character of Albert Edward, a simple, hardworking verger who is illiterate but
manages the church with great dedication. When a new vicar insists that Albert
learn to read and write to continue in his position, Albert’s life takes a
dramatic turn. The story is a critique of society’s overemphasis on formal
education and highlights the power of practical knowledge, demonstrating that
it is possible to find success through skills that cannot be learned in a
classroom.
Character Analysis
The protagonist of the story, Albert Edward,
is a man of simplicity but immense practical wisdom. He works as a verger in a church
and manages the church’s day-to-day activities without ever learning to read or
write. Albert's character is a representation of hardworking individuals who,
despite lacking formal education, possess common sense and the ability to
perform tasks that require intelligence and organizational skills. His
character is a sharp contrast to the new vicar, who symbolizes the conventional
belief that formal education is necessary for success.
The new vicar, a learned man, embodies the
idea that literacy is essential for performing any job properly, including
Albert’s role as the verger. The vicar’s insistence that Albert should learn to
read and write to remain employed is an example of how society often ties an
individual’s worth to their educational qualifications, ignoring their
practical skills and experience. The vicar, though well-meaning, fails to
understand that Albert’s competence comes from his years of experience rather
than formal education.
In contrast, the churchwarden plays a more
passive role in the story, supporting the vicar’s view but not actively
participating in the conflict. His character highlights the idea that societal
expectations often influence individuals, especially those in positions of
authority, to adhere to standard views about education and capability.
Themes
Education vs. Practical Knowledge
One of the central themes in The Verger is
the contrast between formal education and practical knowledge. The vicar
believes that Albert should learn to read and write in order to be a better
verger, but Albert’s success in managing the church proves that he has a
different kind of intelligence—practical intelligence. He may not have formal
education, but he knows how to keep the church running, deal with the
community, and manage tasks that require skill and responsibility. Albert’s
story challenges the idea that academic qualifications are the only measure of
a person’s worth or capability. His success later in life, after leaving the
church and starting a tobacconist shop, demonstrates that success can be found
through practical experience and hands-on skills, rather than formal education.
The Value of Experience
Albert’s life is a testament to the value of
experience. His ability to run the church efficiently for sixteen years without
the ability to read or write reflects his deep understanding of how things work
in the world. He does not need a textbook to manage his duties. His ability to
interact with people, organize tasks, and maintain the church’s functions
reveals the strength of experience over academic knowledge. This theme
challenges the idea that success is dependent solely on learning from books,
promoting the importance of practical experience as equally valuable.
Social Status and Class Expectations
Maugham also addresses the theme of social
expectations and the role class plays in shaping an individual’s life. Albert’s
position as a verger, although lowly and considered insignificant by society,
is essential to the functioning of the church. Yet, when the vicar insists that
he learn to read and write, Albert’s value is questioned, reflecting society’s
tendency to judge people based on their education rather than their intrinsic
worth. The story critiques a society that often overlooks those who perform
essential, everyday work, in favor of those with formal qualifications.
Albert’s success after leaving the church shows that one’s worth is not
determined by their social position or educational background.
The Irony of Success
The irony in the story lies in Albert’s
ultimate success after he is fired from his job as a verger. The new vicar, in
attempting to improve Albert’s skills by encouraging him to learn, unknowingly
drives him to leave the church, where he goes on to build a successful
tobacconist business. Albert’s business flourishes, which contrasts with the
idea that only those with education can succeed. The story thus conveys the
irony that by trying to impose traditional values of education and literacy on
Albert, the vicar inadvertently frees him to find a more prosperous life. This
twist not only adds a layer of humor to the story but also reinforces the
central message that success comes in many forms and is not dependent on formal
qualifications.
Symbolism
The story also makes use of certain symbols,
such as the church and the tobacconist shop. The church represents traditional
authority, education, and established societal norms. It is a place where the
vicar and the churchwarden expect Albert to conform to the conventional
standards of education and behavior. Albert’s resignation from the church and
his decision to open the tobacconist shop symbolize his break from the
constraints of societal expectations. The tobacconist shop is not just a
business for Albert; it represents freedom, independence, and the possibility
of success outside of traditional structures. It is also a symbol of practical
intelligence, where Albert’s skills and experience allow him to flourish in a
way that formal education could not.
Writing Style and Structure
Maugham’s writing style in The Verger is
straightforward, concise, and filled with irony. The story is told in the third
person, which allows the reader to understand Albert’s character and the
vicar’s mindset equally. Maugham uses irony effectively to highlight the
contrast between the expectations placed on Albert and his eventual success.
The story's structure is linear and follows a simple narrative arc: Albert’s
job as a verger, the conflict with the vicar, Albert’s resignation, and his
unexpected success. This simplicity in structure mirrors the story’s central
message—that life and success are often simpler and less complicated than
society’s expectations might suggest.
Conclusion
The
Verger is a subtle yet powerful critique of the value placed on formal
education and the societal pressures that force individuals to conform to
narrow definitions of success. Through the character of Albert Edward, Maugham
shows that practical knowledge, hard work, and experience can lead to greater
success than academic qualifications alone. The story emphasizes that people
should not be judged solely on their level of education but also on their
abilities, character, and contributions to society. In Albert’s case, his
success after leaving the church serves as a reminder that there are many paths
to success, and one’s worth is not always determined by their formal education
or societal status. Maugham, through a simple narrative, explores deep themes
about class, education, and the value of experience, making The Verger a
timeless story that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
Critical Analysis of
"The Verger" by W. Somerset Maugham
Ans: The Verger by W. Somerset Maugham is a short story that explores
themes of education, social status, and the value of practical knowledge. The
story revolves around Albert Edward, a simple and good-natured man who works as
the verger of a church. Although Albert is illiterate, he has managed the
church for years with great efficiency. However, when a new vicar arrives, he
insists that Albert learn to read and write. This leads Albert to resign from
his job, and he goes on to find success in a new business. Maugham uses this
plot to critique societal views on education and the value placed on formal
qualifications.
Education vs.
Practical Knowledge
One of the key themes
in The Verger is the contrast
between formal education and practical knowledge. The new vicar believes that
Albert should learn to read and write to perform his duties properly. However,
Albert’s success in managing the church without literacy highlights the
importance of practical intelligence. His ability to keep the church organized,
interact with people, and manage daily tasks shows that education is not the
only measure of competence. Albert’s knowledge comes from experience, not from
books, and this challenges the conventional belief that formal education is
essential for success.
The Irony of Albert’s
Success
The story is filled
with irony, especially when it comes to Albert’s life after he leaves the
church. The vicar’s insistence that Albert learn to read and write ultimately
leads to his resignation. Albert, initially upset, opens a tobacconist shop and
becomes successful. This turn of events is ironic because, after being pushed
out of the church for not being literate, Albert finds a more prosperous life.
Maugham uses this irony to show that success does not always come from formal
education. Albert’s rise in business shows that practical skills and experience
can lead to greater success than academic qualifications.
Social Expectations
and Class
Another important
theme in the story is the way society values education and status. Albert’s job
as a verger is lowly in the eyes of society, yet he is able to manage it
successfully without knowing how to read or write. The new vicar, who is highly
educated, believes that Albert’s lack of literacy is a problem, reflecting
society’s tendency to place value on formal education over experience. Albert’s
later success in business challenges these social expectations and suggests
that people should not be judged solely on their education or social status.
Maugham critiques the idea that people must conform to social standards in
order to be successful.
Character Analysis
Albert Edward, the
protagonist, is a simple man who lacks formal education but possesses a great
deal of common sense and practical wisdom. He is a kind, hardworking person who
takes pride in his work, even if it is not highly regarded by others. Albert’s
character symbolizes the ordinary person whose worth is often overlooked in
favor of those with academic achievements. The new vicar represents the idea
that literacy and education are necessary for success, and his attitude
reflects societal views on the importance of formal education. The
churchwarden, though less active in the story, supports the vicar’s belief,
further highlighting the social pressure placed on individuals to conform to
conventional views.
Conclusion
In The Verger, W. Somerset Maugham
delivers a thought-provoking critique of the overemphasis on formal education
and social expectations. Through the character of Albert, Maugham suggests that
practical knowledge and experience are just as valuable as academic qualifications.
The irony of Albert’s success after leaving the church serves to challenge the
idea that education is the only path to success. The story encourages readers
to recognize the worth of individuals beyond their level of education and
social class, making it a timeless reflection on society’s values.
