ONE COAT OF WHITE
Who is Mr. Lautisse, and why is he famous?
Mr. Lautisse is a famous retired artist, known for his paintings, but he no longer paints and prefers a quiet life.
Why is Lieutenant Blandford waiting for a woman he has never seen?
He has been writing letters to her during the war and has fallen in love with her personality without knowing what she looks like.
What was Salvatore like as a child?
He was a kind, gentle, and cheerful boy who loved the sea and cared for his family.
What is Albert Edward Foreman’s job at the beginning of the story?
He is a verger (church caretaker), a position he has held for many years.
How does Mr. Lautisse end up at the narrator’s house?
The narrator and his wife meet him on a cruise, where they treat him like a regular person. He later accepts their invitation to visit their home for a weekend.
What item helps Blandford identify the woman he is supposed to meet?
A red rose on her coat, as described in her letters.
Why does Salvatore return home from the military?
He develops rheumatism, which makes him unfit for service, forcing him to return to his village.
Why does the new vicar fire Foreman?
Because Foreman cannot read or write, and the vicar believes this is unacceptable.
What simple task does Mr. Lautisse do at the narrator’s house, and why does it cause excitement?
He paints the garden fence for fun. When people find out, the fence becomes famous and valuable just because Lautisse painted it.
What unexpected twist occurs when Blandford sees an older woman instead of a young beauty?
He assumes she is the woman he has been writing to, but later learns that the older woman was testing him to see if he cared about inner beauty more than appearances.
How does Salvatore react when his first love leaves him?
He accepts it calmly without bitterness, showing his remarkable patience and kindness.
How does Foreman start his successful business?
After being fired, he notices that some neighborhoods lack a tobacconist, so he opens a shop, which grows into a profitable chain of stores.
What irony is revealed when art dealers and critics start valuing the fence?
The same art world that once criticized Lautisse’s work now worships a simple fence, proving that artistic value is often based on reputation rather than true skill.
How does the story explore the theme of true love?
It shows that real love is based on personality and character, not just physical appearance. Blandford was willing to meet a woman he thought was much older because he valued their emotional connection.
What unexpected lesson does the story teach about happiness?
True happiness comes from accepting life as it is, being kind, and finding contentment in simple things, rather than chasing wealth or status.
What irony is revealed when Foreman goes to the bank?
The bank manager is shocked that Foreman made a fortune without being able to read or write. If he had been literate, he would have remained a simple verger, never starting his business.
How does the story criticize the art world and public perception?
The story highlights the absurdity of how fame affects art’s value. Lautisse’s true paintings were often analyzed and debated, yet his random fence painting is blindly celebrated, exposing the superficial nature of art appreciation.
What type of irony is used in the story’s ending?
Situational irony—Blandford expected to meet a young woman, but his love interest tested him first. This twist challenges society’s focus on appearance in relationships.
What is the deeper message of “Salvatore”?
The story suggests that true greatness lies in kindness and humility. Salvatore may not achieve fame or riches, but his unshakable goodness makes him an extraordinary person.
How does “The Verger” challenge society’s views on intelligence and success?
It suggests that formal education is not the only path to success. Foreman’s common sense, observation, and work ethic allow him to succeed more than those with formal schooling.