Perfectionism In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Birthmark

What makes you ‘you’? Perhaps the answer to the question varies from group to group; Perhaps, we are a collection of our physical, mental, and spiritual components, all unique and different. The Birthmark is a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1843. The audience is introduced to a brilliant scientist, Aylmer, whose life revolved around his experiments and quest for scientific perfection. While controversial, Aylmer abandons his laboratory to marry Georgiana, a beautiful woman that soon enough reignites his scientific passion. Aylmer believes Georgiana is flawed with a tiny red birthmark on her left cheek, and grows obsessed with the idea of removing it. His persistence results in the Georgiana’s death. The story expresses the power of Nature versus the limits of science, and hence, the consequences of perfectionism. This is portrayed through the utilization of contrast, …show more content…
For instance, Aylmer describes his dream of cutting off Georgiana’s birthmark, but finds that its roots plunge down into her heart, yet, removes it anyway. We are reminded of the birthmark’s significance, and thus, its fatal removal. Vivid dreams are used within literature in order to create a sense of tension and anticipation, preparing readers for later. Moreover, Aylmer’s failures create a mood of skepticism. For example, Aylmer gives Georgiana a beautiful flower and permits her to pluck it, yet as soon as she does, it withers. Plucking it resembles removing a component of its being, and hence, its entirety falls apart. This clarifies that every part is significant to ones’ holistic existence, and therefore, the ending adheres to this exact situation. Foreshadowing creates dramatic tension, and conveys crucial information that aids in reader