Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Albert Edward Foreman's occupation?
What was Albert Edward Foreman's occupation?
Why did the new vicar want to terminate Foreman's employment?
Why did the new vicar want to terminate Foreman's employment?
How long did the vicar give Foreman to learn how to read and write?
How long did the vicar give Foreman to learn how to read and write?
What was Foreman's reason for declining the vicar's offer?
What was Foreman's reason for declining the vicar's offer?
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What did Foreman do after losing his job as a verger?
What did Foreman do after losing his job as a verger?
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Why did Foreman want to smoke a cigarette?
Why did Foreman want to smoke a cigarette?
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What made Foreman think of starting a tobacco business?
What made Foreman think of starting a tobacco business?
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How many branches of his tobacco business did Foreman open in ten years?
How many branches of his tobacco business did Foreman open in ten years?
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What was the outcome of Foreman's tobacco business?
What was the outcome of Foreman's tobacco business?
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How much money has Albert accumulated in his bank account?
How much money has Albert accumulated in his bank account?
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What advice does the bank manager give to Albert?
What advice does the bank manager give to Albert?
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Why does Albert prefer to keep his money in the bank?
Why does Albert prefer to keep his money in the bank?
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What does the bank manager claim to do for Albert?
What does the bank manager claim to do for Albert?
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What ability has Albert gained since starting the company?
What ability has Albert gained since starting the company?
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What does Albert realize about himself after talking to the manager?
What does Albert realize about himself after talking to the manager?
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What does the manager claim to do for Albert's investments?
What does the manager claim to do for Albert's investments?
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What might Albert have accomplished if he had been educated and learned to read?
What might Albert have accomplished if he had been educated and learned to read?
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What tone does Albert respond with when discussing his lack of education?
What tone does Albert respond with when discussing his lack of education?
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What does Albert's story highlight about his accomplishments?
What does Albert's story highlight about his accomplishments?
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What message does the story convey about traditional education?
What message does the story convey about traditional education?
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What theme is explored through the character of Foreman?
What theme is explored through the character of Foreman?
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What does Albert's story suggest about the relationship between education and success?
What does Albert's story suggest about the relationship between education and success?
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What is the tone of the story?
What is the tone of the story?
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What is the author's purpose in writing this story?
What is the author's purpose in writing this story?
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Study Notes
Albert Edward Foreman's Story
- Albert Edward Foreman is the unassuming verger at St. Peter's Church in Neville Square.
- He serves with enthusiasm and devotion, but his normal duties are interrupted by the new vicar.
- The vicar wants everything to be flawless, and when he learns Foreman is illiterate, he decides to terminate his employment.
The Consequences of Illiteracy
- Foreman is given three months to learn how to read and write, but he declines, claiming he is too old to learn.
- As a result, he loses his job despite his excellent track record.
- Foreman is unhappy and distressed, feeling he has suffered a severe blow.
A New Path
- Foreman decides to open a tobacco shop, which he believes will be successful due to the lack of such shops in the area.
- He rents a suitable store and starts his business, which eventually turns profitable.
- He opens ten branches around London in ten years, becoming a successful businessman.
Banking and Investments
- Foreman's bank account reaches £30,000, and he is advised by the bank manager to invest in secure assets.
- However, Foreman is hesitant, preferring to keep his money safe in the bank.
- When asked to sign investment papers, Foreman reveals his lack of literacy, surprising the bank manager.
Reflections
- Foreman acknowledges that his lack of literacy has not held him back from accumulating wealth.
- He jokingly remarks that if he had been educated, he would still be a verger at St. Peter's Church in Neville Square.
"The Verger" by W.Somerset Maugham
- The story revolves around Albert, a church official who has served for 16 years without being able to read or write.
- A new priest orders Albert to resign from his position after discovering his illiteracy.
- Instead of going home, Albert decides to explore the streets and comes up with the idea to start his own company.
- Albert's story proves that success is possible without a strong education, as long as one has innovative thinking and the courage to stand behind their proposals.
Themes and Symbolism
- The story explores themes such as societal expectations, success, and the value of traditional education.
- Maugham uses the character of Foreman to comment on the importance of practical skills and the arbitrary nature of societal norms.
- The story raises questions about what truly determines one's value and potential in society.
Story Analysis
- The narrative is concise but thought-provoking, making it an excellent exploration of complex themes.
- Maugham's use of Albert's character serves as a commentary on the limitations of traditional education and the power of individual initiative.
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Description
Learn about the story of Albert Edward Foreman, a devoted verger at St. Peter's Church, who faces difficulties due to his illiteracy. Discover how his life changes when the new vicar demands perfection.
