Comparing Scientific Experimentation In Rappaccini's Daughter And The Birthmark

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In science, experimentation has boundaries in which scientists should not break. Many people believe that scientific experimentation should remain within boundaries, not allowing experimentation with human life and the processes controlled by nature. The idea of “playing God” in science causes controversy in society, which consists of attempting to alter the nature of life and events through science. In literature, authors use the characters and plot to allow the reader to make conclusions about their personal opinion concerning misusing science to alter nature. Through the plot and characters, Dr. Heidegger in “Dr Heidegger’s Experiment,” Rappaccini in “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” and Aylmer in “The Birthmark,” of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short stories, the reader can conclude that Hawthorne feels negatively about …show more content…
Heidegger, and the events of the plot, the reader can conclude that Hawthorne has a negative opinion on misusing science to alter naturally occurring processes by trying to “play God.” In the short story, the idea of misusing science is present through the actions of Dr. Heidegger, as he conducts his experiment. The author displays the misuse of science by Dr. Heidegger when he makes the statement, “‘The famous Fountain of Youth … this wonderful water … [it is] what you see in this vase’ … ‘and all of you, my respected friends, are welcome to so much of this admirable fluid, as may restore to you the bloom of youth’” (506). The statement depicts Dr. Heidegger misusing science because the experiment he undergoes consists of making the individuals regain their time of youth. Dr. Heidegger attempts to reverse the aging process with water from the Fountain of Youth for four individuals that live miserable lives, as a result of the mistakes they previously make. Through the experimentation with the water to make the guests younger, Heidegger misuses science,

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