"THE VERGER" by W. Somerset Maugham

1. What is a verger?

2. Find evidence in the story that proves that Foreman’s illiteracy did not hold him back from being a good verger.

3. Find evidence in the story that proves that Foreman was proud of his job as a verger. Use a quote from the story to answer this question.

4. How did Foreman decide upon becoming a shopkeeper?

5. Why was Albert dismissed as verger of the church?

6. Look carefully at the story where Foreman speaks. What is interesting about his dialogue? Why was it written that way?

7. Explain the theme of this story.

8. What literary devices did Maugham employ in this story?

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