In “The Birthmark,” written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hawthorne expresses many themes to readers that appear in the short story. The main theme that occurs throughout the story derives from a request by one of the main characters. The fact that Aylmer says, “Georgiana, has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed,” (Hawthorne 333) expresses that he wants his wife to look the way he wants her to. As the process of removing a birthmark is challenging, Aylmer, being the scientist he is, believes that he is capable of doing the job. Over the course of the story, Aylmer and Georgiana go back and forth about whether it is safe or not to remove the birthmark. Later on, Georgiana finally allows her husband to start the procedure on her because she does not want to disappoint him. Over the course of the story, the main reoccurring theme evolves around Aylmer wanting his wife to look better than she already does.
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When Aylmer asks her to remove the birthmark, she blushes, and says, “To tell you the truth, it has been so often called a charm that I was simple enough to imagine it might be so” (Hawthorne 334). From the detail given about how she responds to Aylmer’s question about her birthmark, Georgiana would rather keep it, but deep down, she knows that her decision would disappoint her spouse, so she gives in. Georgiana gives Aylmer permission to attempt to remove her birthmark using a mixture that he will create. Georgiana states, “And, Aylmer, I shall quaff whatever draught you bring me; but it will be on the same principle that would induce me to take a dose of poison if offered by your hand” (Hawthorne 341). In this quote, Georgiana clarifies that she just wants to make her husband happy, so she will allow him to do whatever he thinks is best for
When Aylmer asks her to remove the birthmark, she blushes, and says, “To tell you the truth, it has been so often called a charm that I was simple enough to imagine it might be so” (Hawthorne 334). From the detail given about how she responds to Aylmer’s question about her birthmark, Georgiana would rather keep it, but deep down, she knows that her decision would disappoint her spouse, so she gives in. Georgiana gives Aylmer permission to attempt to remove her birthmark using a mixture that he will create. Georgiana states, “And, Aylmer, I shall quaff whatever draught you bring me; but it will be on the same principle that would induce me to take a dose of poison if offered by your hand” (Hawthorne 341). In this quote, Georgiana clarifies that she just wants to make her husband happy, so she will allow him to do whatever he thinks is best for