Criticism And Symbolism In 'The Birth-Mark' By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Birth-Mark” is a short story about mankind’s rocky journey for perfection. The story analyzes the relationship between Aylmer, an educated scientist, and his nearly flawless wife, Georgiana. Unfortunately, no matter how beautiful Georgiana is, Aylmer continuously strives for her to be even more beautiful regardless of consequences. Stuck on a single imperfection, Aylmer cannot look past one blemish on her face, ultimately ignoring the beauty Georgiana still has. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism, irony, and point of view within “The Birth-Mark” to portray the negative effects of gaining absolute perfection and science versus nature. There is an immense amount of symbolism within “The Birth-Mark”; a prime example of this is the birthmark on Georgiana’s face. ‘“Georgiana," said he, "has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?"’ (Hawthorne 291). The reason Aylmer says he wants her birthmark removed is …show more content…

The narrator uses a very strong voice and goes into extensive details making him a vital part of the story. The narrator’s tone shows he dislikes Aylmer for wanting to change his already gorgeous wife. The narrator explains everything as well as if he does not trust the audience to understand the symbolism. Such as in this quote “The crimson hand expressed the ineludible gripe in which mortality clutches the highest and purest of earthly mould… selecting it as the symbol of his wife 's liability to sin, sorrow, decay, and death...” (Hawthorne 292). The narrator explains to the reader what the crimson hand on Georgiana’s face means to Aylmer. That in Aylmer’s eyes the crimson hand means death and decay and furthermore the mortality of his wife. As a scientist and perfectionist, Aylmer feels compelled to exterminate his wife’s natural

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