W. Somerset Maugham, a prolific and widely read English writer of the [20th century](/posts/describe-social-religious- आंदोलनों-में/), distinguished himself through a diverse body of work encompassing novels, plays, and short stories. Renowned for his clear, unadorned prose and keen observation of human nature, Maugham often explored themes of disillusionment, the complexities of human motivation, and the subtle ironies of life. His narratives frequently delve into the lives of seemingly ordinary individuals, revealing their extraordinary resilience, hidden depths, or unexpected turns of fate. Maugham’s style is characterized by its economy of language, psychological insight, and a detached, almost clinical, portrayal of his characters and their circumstances, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions without overt moralizing.

Among his vast collection of short stories, “The Verger“ stands out as a quintessential example of Maugham’s narrative prowess, particularly his mastery of irony and his ability to subvert conventional expectations. First published in 1929, the story is a concise yet profound exploration of intelligence, social mobility, and the true value of an individual’s capabilities versus formal qualifications. It challenges the prevailing notions of success and education, presenting a protagonist whose lack of traditional schooling ironically becomes the catalyst for his remarkable entrepreneurial triumph. Through the seemingly simple tale of a church official, Maugham crafts a compelling commentary on societal prejudices and the often-unseen pathways to genuine achievement.

Plot Synopsis and Character Introduction

“The Verger“ introduces Albert Edward Foreman, a man who has served as the verger at St. Peter’s, Neville Square, for sixteen meticulously kept years. He is a paragon of dedication and propriety, taking immense pride in his duties, which include maintaining the church’s decorum, assisting the clergy, and ensuring everything is in its proper place. His uniform is always immaculate, his movements dignified, and his knowledge of church protocol extensive. Foreman embodies the traditional, dependable servant, content and respected within his specific, humble sphere. He is a fixture, seemingly indispensable to the smooth running of the prestigious church.

The tranquility of Foreman’s long-standing service is abruptly shattered with the arrival of a new vicar. This young, energetic, and progressive clergyman, driven by modern sensibilities and a desire for efficiency, begins to scrutinize the church’s operations. During his review of personnel records, he makes a startling discovery: Albert Edward Foreman, the seemingly impeccable verger, is completely illiterate. He cannot read or write. This revelation deeply troubles the vicar, who, along with his equally dismayed wife, views literacy as an absolute prerequisite for any position of responsibility, even that of a verger. Despite Foreman’s flawless record and evident competence, the vicar insists that he must learn to read and write immediately or face dismissal. Foreman, a man of integrity and deep-seated principles, considers the proposition. He contemplates the arduous task of learning at his age and realizes that his practical skills and innate intelligence, which have served him well for decades, are not valued in this new, rigid environment. With quiet dignity, he refuses to undertake the learning process, choosing instead to resign from the position he has held with such pride for so long.

Stripped of his long-held identity and purpose, Foreman finds himself adrift on the bustling streets of London. He walks aimlessly, grappling with the sudden uncertainty of his future. He feels a pang of hunger and decides to buy a cigarette, but struggles to locate a tobacconist’s shop. It is at this moment, amidst his despair, that an epiphany strikes him: there isn’t a single tobacconist or newsagent on the entire street. This simple observation sparks an idea, a nascent flicker of entrepreneurial spirit. He realizes there is an unmet demand. Drawing upon his meager savings and the generous severance pay from the church, Foreman takes a bold leap of faith and opens his own small shop, selling tobacco and newspapers. His natural affability, meticulousness, and keen understanding of customer needs, traits previously channeled into his verger duties, now translate directly into business acumen. The shop flourishes, and with prudent management, he soon saves enough to open a second. Over the next decade, his business empire expands rapidly, until he owns ten successful tobacconist and newsagent shops across London, accumulating considerable wealth. The climax of the story occurs when his bank manager, impressed by Foreman’s significant deposits and expanding portfolio, suggests he invest his money more shrewdly. The manager requests Foreman’s signature on some documents, leading to the shocking rediscovery of his illiteracy. Astonished, the bank manager marvels at Foreman’s success despite his inability to read or write, asking him what he would have become had he learned. Foreman’s iconic, ironic reply concludes the story: “I don’t know, sir. If I had, I should be a verger at St Peter’s, Neville Square.”

Character Analysis

Maugham’s characters in “The Verger“ are not deeply complex psychological portraits but rather serve as archetypes to convey the story’s central themes.

Albert Edward Foreman: He is the undisputed protagonist and the heart of the narrative. Initially presented as a figure of quiet dignity and unwavering reliability, Foreman embodies the traditional values of diligent service and meticulousness. His sixteen years as a verger underscore his dedication and proficiency within his role. However, his character deepens considerably after his dismissal. His refusal to learn to read and write is not born of stubbornness or ignorance, but rather a profound self-awareness and an implicit understanding of where his true aptitudes lie. He recognizes that his practical intelligence, his meticulousness, and his common sense are valuable in themselves, regardless of formal education. His internal struggle following his dismissal highlights his vulnerability, but his subsequent action reveals remarkable resilience and an intuitive entrepreneurial spirit. Foreman’s success is a testament to his practical acumen, his ability to identify a need, manage resources, and connect with people. He is resourceful, adaptable, and possesses a keen understanding of the commercial world, demonstrating that intelligence manifests in various forms. His final line crystallizes his journey and reinforces the story’s central irony, portraying him as a self-made man whose perceived weakness became his greatest strength.

The Vicar: Represents institutional authority, modern bureaucracy, and a rigid adherence to formal qualifications. While not malicious, the vicar is portrayed as narrow-minded and lacking in practical wisdom. His concern over Foreman’s illiteracy stems from a genuine belief in the importance of education and proper procedure, yet he completely overlooks Foreman’s proven competence, dedication, and long years of faultless service. He symbolizes the system that values credentials over actual ability, form over substance. His inability to comprehend that a man could be highly competent and successful without being literate highlights his limited perspective and reliance on conventional metrics of worth. He is a catalyst for Foreman’s transformation, albeit an unwitting one, indirectly pushing Foreman towards his true potential.

The Vicar’s Wife: A minor character, she serves to amplify the vicar’s viewpoint and reinforce societal expectations. She is equally dismayed by Foreman’s illiteracy and supports her husband’s decision, underscoring the prevailing societal prejudice against uneducated individuals, regardless of their demonstrable capabilities.

The Bank Manager: Though appearing only at the story’s end, the bank manager plays a crucial role. He is the sounding board against whom Foreman’s extraordinary achievement is measured. His surprise and disbelief at Foreman’s illiteracy, given his substantial wealth, reflect the common societal assumption that success is inextricably linked to formal education. His reaction allows Foreman to deliver his iconic punchline, providing the ultimate ironic twist and underscoring the story’s central message.

Dominant Themes

“The Verger” is rich in thematic depth, offering pointed commentary on several societal and human aspects:

Illiteracy vs. Intelligence and Success: This is the most prominent theme, forming the core paradox of the story. Foreman’s illiteracy is initially presented as a severe handicap, leading to his dismissal. However, it is precisely this lack of formal education that forces him out of his comfortable, subservient role and into the world of entrepreneurship, where his practical intelligence, common sense, and meticulous nature truly flourish. The story challenges the conventional wisdom that formal schooling is the sole determinant of success or intelligence. It argues that practical wisdom, resourcefulness, and the ability to identify opportunities can be far more valuable in the real world than academic qualifications. Foreman’s journey illustrates that intelligence manifests in diverse ways, often beyond the confines of literacy or formal education.

Social Mobility and Class: The narrative vividly depicts social mobility in early [20th-century](/posts/describe-social-religious- आंदोलनों-में/) England. Foreman transitions from a respectable but humble working-class position as a verger, a servant of the church, to a wealthy and independent businessman. This upward trajectory defies the rigid class structures of the time, suggesting that ambition, hard work, and astute decision-making can break through established social barriers. Maugham subtly critiques the class-based prejudices that would deem a man like Foreman unfit for a role simply because of his lack of formal schooling, despite his clear aptitude for responsibility and service. His success becomes a quiet rebellion against a system that might otherwise have kept him confined to a predetermined social stratum.

Bureaucracy vs. Pragmatism: The conflict between the new vicar and Foreman perfectly encapsulates the tension between bureaucratic adherence to rules and pragmatic, results-oriented thinking. The vicar, representing the rigid institutional mindset, prioritizes formal qualifications and procedures over demonstrated competence and long-standing service. He cannot see past the rulebook. Foreman, on the other hand, embodies pragmatism; his success is built on identifying a practical need (a shop on the street) and efficiently fulfilling it. The story suggests that an overemphasis on formalistic requirements can often hinder progress and misjudge true capability. It champions the practical man over the pedantic one.

Redemption and Self-Reliance: Foreman’s dismissal, initially a devastating blow, becomes an unexpected catalyst for his redemption and a testament to his self-reliance. Instead of succumbing to despair, he turns his misfortune into an opportunity. He does not seek charity or external help but relies solely on his own observational skills, limited capital, and innate business sense. His journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, demonstrating that adversity can forge new paths and reveal untapped potential. He redeems his situation through sheer entrepreneurial grit.

Appearances vs. Reality: There is a strong element of irony revolving around appearances. Foreman, in his verger’s uniform, appears to be the epitome of tradition and educated respectability, yet he is illiterate. Conversely, his humble appearance as a shopkeeper belies the burgeoning empire he is building. The story questions the reliability of superficial indicators of worth or intelligence, suggesting that true capabilities often lie beneath the surface, unnoticed by those who judge solely on appearances or formal credentials.

The Nature of Education: Maugham uses Foreman’s story to provocatively question what truly constitutes “education.” Is it merely the ability to read and write, or does it encompass practical knowledge, shrewdness, and the capacity to navigate the world successfully? The narrative implicitly argues for a broader definition of education, one that values lived experience, common sense, and practical skills as much, if not more, than academic learning. It critiques an educational system that might overlook or dismiss individuals who possess immense practical intelligence but lack conventional qualifications.

Literary Devices

Maugham employs several literary devices to enhance the impact and meaning of “The Verger”:

Irony: This is the most dominant and crucial literary device in the story, particularly situational irony. The central irony lies in the fact that Foreman’s illiteracy, which causes his dismissal from a seemingly secure and respectable job, directly leads to his immense financial success and independence. The very “handicap” that cost him his position becomes the unlikely catalyst for his fortune. This is highlighted by his final, famous line, which serves as the ultimate ironic punchline, underscoring the unexpected twist of fate and the arbitrary nature of what society deems “qualified.” The irony also extends to the vicar’s character: in his attempt to “improve” Foreman, he inadvertently sets him on a path to far greater prosperity than he could ever have achieved as a verger.

Characterization: Maugham uses both direct and indirect characterization. Foreman is directly described as dignified, meticulous, and proper, but his true character – his resilience, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit – is revealed indirectly through his actions and his insightful dialogue. The vicar’s character is revealed through his rigid adherence to rules and his inability to look beyond formal qualifications. This efficient characterization serves to advance the plot and highlight the thematic contrasts.

Symbolism: St. Peter’s, Neville Square, can be seen as a symbol of tradition, established authority, and perhaps outdated institutional thinking. The verger’s robes symbolize his former identity and adherence to a particular social role. His shedding of the robes for a simple shopkeeper’s apron symbolizes his liberation from societal expectations and his embracing of a new, self-defined identity.

Narrative Style: Maugham’s prose is characteristically clear, concise, and direct. He employs an objective, almost detached, narrative voice, allowing the events and the characters’ actions to speak for themselves without heavy authorial intrusion. This lean style enhances the story’s impact, making the ironic twist more potent. The narrative moves swiftly and efficiently, focusing on the core events and their implications.

Dialogue: The dialogue is realistic and serves to reveal character and advance the plot. Foreman’s final exchange with the bank manager is particularly significant, as it delivers the story’s poignant and ironic conclusion in a memorable and impactful way. His simplicity of speech belies the depth of his understanding of his own journey.

Maugham’s Philosophy and Broader Implications

“The Verger” aligns with Maugham’s broader philosophical leanings, which often questioned conventional wisdom and societal norms. Maugham frequently explored the complexities of human nature, suggesting that individuals are often driven by motivations deeper than what appears on the surface, and that true merit can be found in unexpected places. In this story, he champions practical intelligence and an intuitive understanding of the world over strict adherence to formal qualifications. He critiques institutional blindness that prioritizes credentials over demonstrated ability and dismisses individuals based on superficial shortcomings.

The story implicitly makes a case for valuing diverse forms of intelligence and recognizing that the traditional markers of success—like literacy and formal education—are not the only, or even always the best, indicators of a person’s capability. In a society that increasingly emphasizes academic achievement, “The Verger” remains a relevant and potent reminder that success can be forged through resourcefulness, resilience, and an innate understanding of human needs and economic realities. It is a quiet celebration of the common man’s ability to transcend adversity and achieve greatness on his own terms.

The enduring appeal of “The Verger” lies in its simple yet profound message. It is a masterclass in narrative economy, delivering a powerful commentary on success, education, and human potential through a deceptively straightforward plot. The story asserts that genuine intelligence is not solely defined by one’s ability to read or write, but by one’s capacity for observation, decision-making, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. It subtly challenges the ingrained biases of society, which often undervalue practical acumen in favor of academic achievements.

Ultimately, Maugham’s narrative stands as a testament to the idea that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Foreman’s journey from a dismissed verger to a prosperous entrepreneur highlights the transformative power of being forced out of one’s comfort zone. His illiteracy, initially perceived as a barrier, became the unlikely key to unlocking his true potential and propelling him toward an unforeseen and profoundly ironic success, leaving the reader to ponder the true meaning of capability and the limitations of conventional judgments.