Somerset Maugham’s “The Verger” stands as a poignant and often humorous exploration of human resilience, unconventional success, and the frequently misplaced values of societal judgment. Published in 1929, this short story masterfully dissects the life of Albert Edward Foreman, a man whose impeccable outward appearance and dignified demeanor perfectly align with his long-standing position as verger at St. Peter’s, Neville Square. However, beneath this veneer of conventional respectability lies a secret that fundamentally challenges the very bedrock of the assumptions upon which his life, and indeed much of society, is built: Foreman is illiterate. This central irony propels the narrative, transforming a seemingly simple tale into a profound commentary on the nature of competence, intelligence, and genuine success.

The story meticulously sets the stage by introducing Foreman as the epitome of a committed, exemplary church employee. His fifteen years of service have been marked by unwavering dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and a dignified presence that commands respect from the congregation and clergy alike. It is precisely this image of faultless professionalism that makes the revelation of his illiteracy so shocking, both to the characters within the narrative and to the reader. Maugham uses Foreman’s journey to probe deeper questions about what truly constitutes worth and capability, questioning the pervasive societal reliance on formal qualifications as the sole metrics of intelligence and achievement. Through Foreman’s trajectory from esteemed verger to an unexpected entrepreneur, “The Verger” delivers a sharp critique of conventional wisdom, championing practical acumen and innate character over acquired academic knowledge.

The Unconventional Protagonist: Albert Edward Foreman

Albert Edward Foreman is initially presented as the quintessential embodiment of an established societal role. For sixteen years, he has served as the verger of St. Peter’s, Neville Square, a church known for its fashionable congregation and discerning taste. Maugham paints a detailed portrait of a man who takes immense pride in his work, meticulously performing his duties with a dignity and precision that makes him seem indispensable. His appearance is always immaculate, his movements precise, and his demeanor perfectly solemn. He ushers congregants to their seats, ensures the smooth running of services, and carries himself with an air of quiet authority, respected by the parishioners and previous vicars alike. This portrayal sets up a powerful contrast with the revelation of his secret, creating an immediate tension between perception and reality.

The arrival of a new vicar, a progressive and somewhat dogmatic individual, acts as the catalyst for Foreman’s life-altering challenge. This vicar, fresh from the East End, holds firm beliefs about modernizing the church and its staff, including the seemingly innocuous requirement for the verger to be literate. His discovery of Foreman’s inability to read or write is met with a mixture of disbelief and genuine concern, framed within the vicar’s conviction that such an essential skill is paramount, regardless of Foreman’s impeccable service record. The vicar’s insistence that Foreman learn to read, and Foreman’s subsequent steadfast refusal, forms the narrative’s turning point. Foreman, with a quiet dignity that belies his lack of formal education, articulates his reasoning: “I’m too old to learn to read. I’ve got along all right for sixty years without it, and I don’t see why I should start now.” This refusal, born not of defiance but of a deep-seated practical wisdom and a profound sense of self-worth, marks Foreman’s first significant challenge to societal norms. He values his lived experience and proven competence over an externally imposed standard that he perceives as irrelevant to his actual capabilities.

Challenging Societal Norms

Foreman’s character and experiences profoundly challenge several entrenched societal norms, particularly those concerning education, social mobility, and the very definition of success.

1. Challenging the Primacy of Formal Education and Literacy

The most prominent norm challenged by “The Verger” is the almost unquestioned belief in the absolute necessity of formal education, especially literacy, for achieving competence, respect, and success in life. In many societies, then as now, illiteracy is often equated with ignorance, lack of intelligence, or an inability to function effectively within modern structures. Foreman, however, stands as a living refutation of this assumption. For sixteen years, he performed his duties flawlessly, managing the church’s affairs with an efficiency and decorum that belied his illiteracy. He remembers names, faces, and church routines with remarkable precision, demonstrating that practical memory, diligence, and common sense can often be more valuable than the ability to decipher text. His competence was observed and appreciated by everyone around him, precisely because his illiteracy was unknown.

When the vicar insists he learn to read, the underlying assumption is that an illiterate person is inherently incapable or incomplete. Foreman’s refusal, and his subsequent astonishing success, directly refutes this narrow-minded view. His journey highlights that knowledge can be acquired and applied through various means, not just through printed words. His practical intelligence, his ability to observe, remember, and manage, proves to be a far more potent force in his life than any academic credential could have offered. The story thereby questions whether institutions and society often prioritize superficial qualifications over genuine, demonstrable ability and character.

2. Challenging Social Hierarchy and Class Expectations

In early 20th-century Britain, social class was often rigidly defined, and opportunities for upward social mobility were limited, particularly for those without formal education or inherited wealth. Foreman, presumably from a humble background given his illiteracy, occupies a respected, if modest, position within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. His dismissal from the verger position due to his “deficiency” might conventionally be seen as a descent, confirming his “place” in society. However, Foreman’s entrepreneurial venture utterly shatters these class expectations.

Instead of retreating into obscurity or taking a less dignified menial job, Foreman leverages his practical understanding of human needs and a keen business sense to establish a successful chain of tobacconist shops. This move is audacious for a man of his perceived station and background. He doesn’t merely survive; he thrives, accumulating substantial wealth and becoming a figure of significant financial standing. This trajectory directly challenges the notion that one’s social origin or educational background dictates one’s ultimate economic and social stratum. He rises not by conforming to existing structures but by creating his own path, demonstrating that ambition, hard work, and innate business acumen can transcend traditional class barriers.

3. Challenging the Concept of “Progress” and Modernity

The new vicar in the story embodies a certain strain of modern thought, characterized by an emphasis on efficiency, reform, and the belief that progress inherently means adopting new, standardized ways. His insistence on Foreman’s literacy stems from this progressive mindset, viewing illiteracy as an anachronism that must be eradicated for the sake of institutional improvement. Foreman’s resistance, therefore, can be seen as a subtle critique of uncritical adherence to “progress” for its own sake.

Maugham subtly suggests that the vicar’s definition of progress is superficial, prioritizing form over substance. By forcing Foreman out, the vicar inadvertently sacrifices a genuinely competent, dedicated, and dignified individual in pursuit of a theoretical ideal. The story thus questions whether “modernization” always leads to better outcomes, and whether traditional virtues like dedication, loyalty, and practical wisdom are sometimes overlooked or devalued in the rush towards perceived efficiency or standardization. Foreman’s success outside the institutional framework suggests that sometimes, the traditional, un-modernized qualities are precisely what lead to true advancement.

4. Challenging the Definition of Success and Value

Society often defines success through a narrow lens: high-paying jobs, academic degrees, professional titles, or adherence to institutional norms. Foreman’s life up to his dismissal fits this conventional mold in a limited way – he was a respected verger. However, his subsequent journey radically redefines success. He doesn’t achieve it by conforming or by acquiring the “necessary” skills; he achieves it by capitalizing on his innate abilities and by charting an entirely independent course.

His success is not just financial; it is a success of character and self-worth. He maintains his dignity throughout the ordeal, refuses to compromise his principles, and ultimately proves that his practical understanding of the world, his shrewd judgment, and his capacity for hard work are far more valuable than the ability to read a balance sheet. The story champions a form of success rooted in practical intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s own capabilities, irrespective of societal validation or formal credentials. His final, famous line to the bank manager – “No, sir, and if I had, I’d still be a verger at St. Peter’s, Neville Square” – encapsulates this redefinition, powerfully asserting that his illiteracy was, ironically, the catalyst for his true prosperity and independence.

The Story’s Core Message

“The Verger” conveys a multi-faceted message that resonates beyond its specific historical context, offering timeless insights into human nature and societal constructs.

1. The Superiority of Practical Wisdom Over Formal Knowledge

The most potent message of “The Verger” is the emphatic assertion that practical intelligence, common sense, diligence, and character often supersede formal education and theoretical knowledge in achieving real-world success. Foreman’s impeccable performance as a verger for sixteen years without literacy, and his subsequent meteoric rise as a tobacconist, serve as undeniable proof. He relies on his sharp memory, his ability to observe and understand human behavior, his meticulous habits, and his innate business acumen. These are skills not taught in schools but honed through experience and an inherent grasp of practicalities. The story functions as an ode to the “street smarts” and inherent capabilities often overlooked in favor of academic credentials. Maugham suggests that true intelligence is not solely measured by one’s ability to read and write, but by one’s capacity to navigate life effectively, solve problems, and create value.

2. A Critique of Dogmatic Adherence to Norms and Institutional Myopia

The church, ironically, fails to recognize true virtue and capability within its own ranks, forcing it out into the secular world where it flourishes. The story implies that institutions can sometimes become so engrossed in their own rules and internal logic that they lose sight of genuine human value and practical efficacy.

3. The Power of Resilience, Self-Reliance, and Adaptability

Foreman’s response to adversity is a core component of the story’s message. Instead of being defeated by his dismissal, he exhibits remarkable resilience and self-reliance. He doesn’t lament his fate or blame others; he immediately assesses his options and strategically plans his next move. His decision to open a tobacconist shop, and his subsequent expansion, showcases his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit. He transforms a setback into an unparalleled opportunity, demonstrating that true strength lies not in avoiding challenges, but in confronting them with ingenuity and determination. This message of human agency and the capacity to forge one’s own destiny, even when conventional paths are closed, is deeply empowering.

4. The Ironic Nature of Appearances and Societal Judgment

The narrative is steeped in irony, serving to underscore Maugham’s message. Foreman’s outward appearance as the dignified, highly respectable verger belies his illiteracy, while his later success as a wealthy businessman starkly contrasts with the societal expectation that such achievements require formal education. The irony culminates in the final revelation to the bank manager, where Foreman’s illiteracy is revealed as the very catalyst for his financial triumph. This reversal of expectation forces the reader to question their own preconceived notions about what constitutes capability and what truly leads to success. Maugham uses this irony to satirize the superficiality of societal judgments and the often-misguided criteria by which individuals are evaluated.

5. A Subtle Commentary on Social Mobility and Individual Freedom

While not overtly political, the story subtly comments on social mobility. Foreman, by moving from a service position to a prosperous business owner, breaks through conventional class ceilings. His journey celebrates the individual’s capacity to transcend pre-defined social roles and achieve a form of economic and personal freedom outside the constraints of traditional employment. His illiteracy, which was deemed a barrier in the institutional setting, becomes a peculiar form of liberation in the entrepreneurial world, compelling him to innovate and rely on his innate talents.

In essence, “The Verger” champions the individual who, armed with common sense, diligence, and an indomitable spirit, can navigate and even conquer a world often too rigid in its judgments and too quick to dismiss those who don’t fit neatly into established categories. It’s a witty and profound reminder that true worth and capability are often found in unexpected places, unmeasured by academic certificates, and undeterred by conventional expectations. The story’s enduring appeal lies in its celebration of the unconventional hero and its timeless critique of superficial societal metrics.