The Verger by William Somerset Maugham Essay

Introduction:

"The Verger" is a short story written by British author W. Somerset Maugham. Maugham was a prolific writer who is known for his novels, plays, and short stories that explore themes of love, loss, and human nature. "The Verger" is a poignant tale about a man named Albert Edward Foreman, who works as the verger of a fashionable church in London. Despite his lack of formal education, Albert is a skilled and diligent worker who takes pride in his job. However, when a new vicar is appointed to the church, Albert is forced to confront the limitations of his illiteracy and the harsh realities of a society that values education above all else. Through the character of Albert, Maugham examines the theme of the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Summary:

In "The Verger," William Somerset Maugham tells the story of a man named Albert Edward Foreman, a verger at St Peter's Church in Neville Square. Despite his lack of formal education, Albert Edward is a hardworking and dedicated employee who takes great pride in his job. He is well-respected and admired by his superiors and his fellow workers, and he is content with his simple life. However, everything changes when the new vicar and churchwardens discover that he cannot read or write. When the new vicar and churchwardens learn of Albert Edward's illiteracy, they insist that he must resign from his position as verger. They argue that he cannot fulfill his duties effectively without the ability to read and write. Albert Edward is devastated by this news, as he loves his job and has no other skills or qualifications to fall back on. However, he is determined not to let this setback defeat him. With the help of his wife, he starts a tobacco shop and works hard to make it a success. His dedication and determination pay off, and he is able to build a successful business and become wealthy. Despite his lack of education, Albert Edward proves that he is a capable and intelligent man who is more than capable of achieving success in life.

Theme:

The theme of "The Verger" is the power of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Despite his lack of education and the setback he faced, Albert Edward was able to overcome adversity and achieve success through hard work and determination. The story also highlights the societal barriers that can exist for those who lack formal education, but ultimately it is a celebration of the power of hard work and perseverance.

Analysis:

One of the key themes in "The Verger" is the power of the human spirit. Despite his lack of education and the setback he faced, Albert Edward was able to overcome adversity and achieve success through hard work and determination. This is evident in his decision to start a tobacco shop and work hard to make it a success. His dedication and determination paid off, and he was able to build a successful business and become wealthy. This serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, no matter what obstacles may come our way.

Another key theme in "The Verger" is the importance of perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced, Albert Edward refused to let them defeat him. He was determined to succeed and overcome the setbacks he encountered. This determination and perseverance ultimately paid off, as he was able to achieve success in his new business venture. This serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the value of never giving up, even when things seem difficult or insurmountable.

The story also highlights the societal barriers that can exist for those who lack formal education. When the new vicar and churchwardens discover that Albert Edward cannot read or write, they insist that he must resign from his position as verger. This serves as a reminder of the biases and prejudices that can exist in society, and the ways in which these biases and prejudices can hold individuals back and prevent them from achieving their full potential.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "The Verger" is a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up, no matter what obstacles may come our way. The story also highlights the societal barriers that can exist for those who lack formal education, but ultimately it is a celebration of the power of hard work and perseverance.