Perfection And Mortality In The Birth-Mark By Nathaniel Hawthorne

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The short story “The Birth-Mark” written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1843. Set in the late eighteenth century, the recent invention of electricity increased the faith of many in the potential control of nature. The main character Aylmer, an avid lover of science, is one of those people. Aylmer soon weds his girlfriend Georgiana and slightly divides his devotion to science for his wife. As much as Aylmer seems to love Georgiana, he is perplexed and oddly bothered by a birthmark in the shape of a hand on her cheek. As Aylmer works to remove it, he unintentionally kills his wife. By using abstract themes and symbolism, Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the never-ending debate between science and nature.
[Themes]
In “The Birth-Mark”, there are two main themes: perfection and mortality. Within the story, the theme of perfection is first introduced. For instance, Aylmer’s initial description of his wife states, “… so nearly perfect from the hand of nature, that this slight possible defect… shocks me” (par. 5 p.340) He believes that Georgiana is perfect except for the red birthmark on her cheek. Over time, Aylmer …show more content…

Aylmer, the main character is a symbol of the human mind while Aminadab is a symbol of the natural world. Both men, individually, have different opinions about Georgiana’s birthmark. Aylmer’s initial reaction is to remove it while Aminadab disagrees. Yet he shows disdain for Aylmer’s plans, Aminadab participates in his experiment. His consistent conformity to what Aylmer wants effectively portrays the relationship between man and nature. After the birthmark disappears, Georgiana dies and there is a sound of laughter. The laughter seems to be that of Aminadab, the human representation of nature. This reaction shows that humans may be able to mimic nature using science but they cannot fully control it or change its

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