Assertive Skills
Verger by Somerset Maugham
Understanding the story
Answer the following questions. Later you may discuss your answers in the class
1. Who is Albert Edward?
Albert Edward is the verger (caretaker) of St. Peter's Church.
2. How long has he been working at his job?
He has been working at his job for sixteen years.
3. What is his attitude to the new vicar?
Albert Edward initially seems apprehensive and resentful towards the new vicar's suggestion of resignation due to his lack of education.
4. What problem does Albert face in his career?
The problem Albert faces in his career is that he is asked to resign from his position as verger because he is illiterate and unable to write his name.
5. How does he face the critical situation that he no longer has a job?
Albert faces the critical situation of losing his job by deciding to start his own successful business.
6. How does he set up a new business and prosper in it?
He sets up a tobacco shop and prospers in it by managing it efficiently and with dedication.
7. Why does the bank manager want to speak to Albert Edward?
The bank manager wants to speak to Albert Edward because he is curious about how a simple tobacco shop owner could maintain an account with a bank.
8. What does the bank manager come to know about Albert Edward?
The bank manager comes to know that Albert Edward is the owner of the successful tobacco shop.
9. Why is the bank manager surprised?
The bank manager is surprised because he had underestimated Albert Edward due to his illiteracy and former occupation as a verger.
10. What is your opinion about the last sentence of the story?
The last sentence of the story, "You see, I was the verger of St. Peter's, Neville, before I set up this little business," reflects Albert Edward's pride and satisfaction in his achievements despite societal prejudices against his lack of education. It highlights the theme of determination and overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
MCQs.
1. Who is Albert Edward?
a) The vicar of St. Peter's Church
b) The verger (caretaker) of St. Peter's Church
c) The banker of St. Peter's Church
d) The teacher of St. Peter's Church
**Answer: b) The verger (caretaker) of St. Peter's Church**
2. How long has he been working at his job?
a) Six years
b) Ten years
c) Twelve years
d) Sixteen years
**Answer: d) Sixteen years**
3. What is his attitude to the new vicar?
a) Resentful
b) Respectful
c) Indifferent
d) Admiring
**Answer: a) Resentful**
4. What problem does Albert face in his career?
a) Lack of salary
b) Lack of respect
c) Lack of education
d) Lack of time
**Answer: c) Lack of education**
5. How does he face the critical situation that he no longer has a job?
a) He starts his own business
b) He finds a new job immediately
c) He moves to a different town
d) He lives off savings
**Answer: a) He starts his own business**
6. How does he set up a new business and prosper in it?
a) By managing a grocery store
b) By running a restaurant
c) By opening a tobacco shop
d) By starting a bookstore
**Answer: c) By opening a tobacco shop**
7. Why does the bank manager want to speak to Albert Edward?
a) To offer him a loan
b) To inquire about his business success
c) To ask for a job
d) To discuss church matters
**Answer: b) To inquire about his business success**
8. What does the bank manager come to know about Albert Edward?
a) He is a former banker
b) He is a successful entrepreneur
c) He is a professional athlete
d) He is an artist
**Answer: b) He is a successful entrepreneur**
9. Why is the bank manager surprised?
a) Because Albert Edward is wealthy
b) Because Albert Edward is illiterate
c) Because Albert Edward is famous
d) Because Albert Edward is educated
**Answer: b) Because Albert Edward is illiterate**
10. What is your opinion about the last sentence of the story?
a) Reflects Albert's dissatisfaction
b) Highlights societal prejudices
c) Reflects Albert's pride and satisfaction
d) Indicates Albert's failure
**Answer: c) Reflects Albert's pride and satisfaction**
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