W. Somerset Maugham's Short Stories: The Verger, Mr Know-All, and Sanatorium
The works of W. Somerset Maugham often delve into the complexities of human nature, the irony of fate, and the social structures that define individual lives. Through a series of poignant narratives, Maugham explores how unexpected turns of events can lead to success, how first impressions can be deceptive, and how the face of mortality can reshape human relationships.
The Verger: A Lesson in Unexpected Success
In "The Verger," we meet Albert Foreman, a long-serving verger (a lay official in charge of the church building and its services) at St Peter's Church. The story takes a dramatic turn when the new vicar discovers that Foreman is illiterate. Despite his years of dedicated service, the vicar insists that a man who cannot read or write is unfit for the position and dismisses him.
Facing an uncertain future with savings that are insufficient for a lifetime of retirement, Foreman identifies a gap in the local market: the absence of a tobacconist. He opens a tobacco shop and proposes to his landlady, Emma. The venture is an immediate success, leading Foreman to open additional shops for his family members. Over the next decade, he expands his business to ten shops, accumulating significant wealth.
The story concludes with a powerful irony. When a bank manager suggests that Foreman invest his savings, Foreman admits he cannot read the legal documents. When the manager asks what he might have become had he been literate, Foreman simply replies that he would have remained the verger at St Peter's.
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Mr Know-All: The Mask of Confidence
"Mr Know-All" examines the tension between social perception and private integrity. The story follows the reserved Mr Gray, who is forced to share a cabin on an ocean liner with Max Kelada, a gem dealer. Kelada is loud, opinionated, and possesses an unwavering confidence that earns him the nickname "Mr Know-All" among the passengers, who find his insistence on being an expert in every field irritating.
The conflict peaks during a social gathering when Kelada praises the quality of a pearl necklace worn by Mrs Ramsay. Mr Ramsay, who has been separated from his wife for two years due to work, bets Kelada ten pounds that the pearls are fake. Despite Mrs Ramsay's attempts to stop the wager, Kelada examines the jewelry. Noticing Mrs Ramsay's extreme unease, Kelada chooses to lie, claiming he was wrong and paying the bet to Mr Ramsay.
Later, Kelada reveals to Gray that the pearls were indeed real and costly, but he lied to protect Mrs Ramsay's secret. This act of selfless discretion transforms Gray's opinion of his cabin mate, leading to a newfound respect for the man behind the arrogant facade.
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Sanatorium: Finding Meaning in Mortality
Based on a segment from Ashenden: Or the British Agent, "Sanatorium" is set in a facility for patients suffering from tuberculosis—a disease that was frequently fatal before the development of antibiotics. The narrator, Mr Ashenden, observes the diverse psychological responses to chronic illness among the residents.
The facility is home to various personalities, including Major George Templeton and Evie Bishop, who fall in love despite Evie's history of moving from one sanatorium to another. In contrast, the story highlights the toxicity of Mr Campbell and Mr McLeod, two long-term patients whose only joy is making each other miserable. Additionally, Mr Chester struggles with bitterness, resenting his wife's visits because her robust health serves as a reminder of his own decline.
The narrative reaches a turning point when McLeod dies, leaving Campbell without an adversary and stripped of his purpose. Meanwhile, George and Evie decide to marry despite medical warnings that the emotional strain would hasten George's death. Their choice to prioritize brief happiness over prolonged survival inspires Mr Chester to let go of his bitterness.
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Key Facts
- The Verger: Demonstrates how a perceived disability (illiteracy) can lead to entrepreneurial success.
- Mr Know-All: Explores the theme of social masks and the difference between arrogance and genuine kindness.
- Sanatorium: Examines the human condition and the search for happiness in the face of terminal illness.
- Setting: The stories span various environments, from a local parish and an ocean liner to a medical facility.
Story Summary Comparison
| Story | Protagonist | Central Conflict | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Verger | Albert Foreman | Loss of employment due to illiteracy | Wealth and business success |
| Mr Know-All | Max Kelada | Social friction and a bet over pearls | Mutual respect and hidden integrity |
| Sanatorium | Various Patients | Coping with terminal tuberculosis | Acceptance and the pursuit of happiness |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Albert Foreman fired from St Peter's Church?
He was fired because the new vicar discovered that Foreman was illiterate and believed that the verger must be able to read and write to perform his duties.
Why did Max Kelada lie about the pearls in "Mr Know-All"?
Kelada realized the pearls were real, but he noticed Mrs Ramsay's distress and lied to protect her, choosing to lose a bet rather than expose her secret.
What was the medical context of the "Sanatorium" story?
The story takes place in a tuberculosis sanatorium during a time when the disease was often fatal because antibiotics had not yet been invented.
How did George and Evie's relationship affect other patients in the sanatorium?
Their decision to marry for happiness, despite the risk of hastening George's death, helped Mr Chester overcome his bitterness regarding his own illness.
What is the irony at the end of "The Verger"?
The irony is that if Foreman had been literate, he would have remained a humble church employee instead of becoming a wealthy business owner.