W. Somerset Maugham’s short story The Verger is an insightful exploration of individualism, societal expectations, and the complexities of human character. The protagonist of the story, Albert Edward, the verger of St. Peter’s Church, defies conventional expectations by living a life that challenges both the rigid norms of society and the prejudices about intelligence, education, and success. Through Albert's character, Maugham critiques the societal tendency to judge people based on their education, while subtly conveying a message about self-reliance, personal integrity, and the unconventional paths to success.
Plot Summary
The story is about Albert Edward, a man who has worked as the verger (a church official responsible for the upkeep of the church and its services) at St. Peter’s Church in the small town for 16 years. Albert is described as a simple, uneducated man who could neither read nor write, but he takes pride in his work and is deeply loyal to the church. Despite his lack of formal education, Albert has successfully fulfilled his duties for many years, maintaining the church’s operations and even supporting the spiritual life of the community.
One day, the new vicar of the church, a highly educated man, learns that Albert cannot read or write. The vicar is shocked and suggests that Albert should resign from his position, as he considers the inability to read and write a significant failing for someone in Albert’s position. Albert, though initially disheartened, is pragmatic and finds a new path for himself. He opens a tobacco shop and becomes extremely successful, ultimately thriving in a completely different profession. The story ends with Albert, now a prosperous man, returning to the church as a visitor, showing that his success came from his self-reliance rather than conforming to society’s expectations.
Albert Edward: The Unconventional Protagonist
Albert Edward is an unconventional protagonist in every sense. His character challenges societal norms in several important ways, especially regarding education, class, and expectations of success.
Unconventional Education and Knowledge
Albert’s most striking feature is his lack of formal education. In a society that places a high value on literacy and intellectual achievement, Albert’s illiteracy sets him apart from the typical educated, middle-class expectations. The vicar, a symbol of societal and intellectual authority, is horrified by Albert’s inability to read or write and considers it a deficiency, a mark of incompetence unworthy of a position in the church. However, Albert, though he does not possess conventional educational qualifications, is an intelligent man in his own right. His long service as the verger requires a keen understanding of human nature, practical problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of responsibility—all of which Albert possesses.
Maugham seems to be making a comment here on the narrow definition of intelligence and competence that society often uses. While the vicar measures Albert’s worth based on formal education, Albert proves that life skills, emotional intelligence, and practical expertise can be just as valuable, if not more so. Albert’s ability to manage the church, serve the community, and maintain order without the benefit of reading or writing suggests that education is not always the determining factor in success.
Loyalty and Integrity
Albert’s commitment to his work as the verger for sixteen years reflects his deep sense of loyalty and integrity. He takes pride in his job and performs it diligently. Despite his limited formal education, Albert understands the importance of his role in the church and the impact he has on the community. His relationship with the church is not based on intellectual considerations but on dedication and service. This reflects a worldview that values personal integrity and reliability over academic qualifications.
Albert’s loyalty is also evident in his decision to continue serving the church even after the vicar's suggestion that he resign. While initially disheartened, Albert does not let the vicar’s judgment break his spirit. Instead, he accepts the challenge and adapts to a new career. His ability to rise above the vicar’s insult and make a success of himself in a completely different field demonstrates his resilience and determination.
Society’s Expectations of Success
The most significant challenge to societal norms in the story comes when Albert, after being told he is unfit for his job because of his illiteracy, finds a new calling and becomes successful in an entirely different profession. The story critiques the traditional notion that success can only be achieved through formal education or intellectual achievement. Albert’s success in opening a tobacco shop and becoming wealthy challenges the conventional idea that education is the sole determinant of a person’s ability to succeed.
In a sense, Albert’s success can be seen as a critique of class and social mobility. While the vicar, representing the established educated class, assumes that Albert's lack of formal learning disqualifies him from any significant position in society, Albert proves that social advancement does not necessarily rely on adherence to educational or class-based expectations. He demonstrates that anyone, regardless of background or education, can find their own path to success if they possess the qualities of hard work, ingenuity, and determination.
The Irony of Albert’s Success
The irony of the story lies in Albert's newfound wealth and success. Initially, Albert is depicted as a humble, unremarkable man with limited opportunities due to his illiteracy. However, after being dismissed from his position as the verger, Albert finds himself in a position where he can take control of his own destiny. His success in business is not achieved through intellectual prowess but through practical knowledge and his ability to understand people’s needs. The fact that Albert’s tobacco shop flourishes in a way that his church duties never did suggests that his true potential lay in his personal qualities, not his formal education.
In many ways, Albert’s success reflects the idea that success can come in unexpected forms. His former position as the verger, which might be considered a prestigious job within the community, fails to provide him with the rewards that his new business does. This shift from failure to success highlights the story’s critique of traditional social and educational expectations. Albert’s new life—one that society would deem a lower-class endeavor—becomes the source of his prosperity, further questioning society’s hierarchical view of success.
Message of the Story
Maugham’s The Verger conveys a powerful message about the limitations of societal norms and the value of personal initiative. The story emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and challenges the conventional belief that success is dependent on formal education and intellectual abilities. Albert Edward, by adapting to new circumstances and proving himself through hard work and ingenuity, demonstrates that success can be achieved through persistence, practical wisdom, and a willingness to take risks.
Furthermore, the story critiques societal attitudes toward class and intelligence. The vicar’s assumption that Albert’s illiteracy disqualifies him from performing his duties illustrates the prejudice that exists against people who do not fit into the conventional mold of education and intellectual achievement. By showing that Albert is able to succeed in a completely different field despite his lack of formal education, Maugham suggests that these societal biases are often misguided and that there are many ways to contribute to society and achieve success outside of traditional expectations.
Another important theme in the story is the idea of personal fulfillment and independence. Albert’s decision to leave the church and start a new venture is an act of empowerment, signaling that he is no longer bound by the limitations imposed on him by the church or the societal expectations of his role. This message encourages readers to take charge of their own lives, make independent choices, and seek fulfillment in ways that are authentic to their own capabilities and desires.
Conclusion
Through the character of Albert Edward, The Verger challenges societal norms about education, success, and class. Albert’s journey from a humble, illiterate church verger to a prosperous businessman serves as a critique of the rigid and often shallow criteria by which society judges individuals. The story ultimately conveys a message about the importance of personal initiative, resilience, and the ability to transcend societal expectations to find one’s own path to success. By doing so, Maugham encourages readers to rethink the conventional definitions of success and value, urging them to appreciate qualities such as hard work, loyalty, and practical wisdom as vital components of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
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