‘The Birthmark
What does the birthmark symbolize and how does it relate to the theme of the story?
Georgiana’s birthmark symbolizes mortality . According to the narrator, every living thing is flawed in some way, nature’s way of reminding us that every living thing eventually dies. Aylmer’s revulsion for his wife’s birthmark suggests the horror he feels at the prospect of death. ...
What is the setting of the story the birthmark?
The action takes place in the late 1700s at an unidentified location in Britain . Aylmer: Scientist recognized throughout Europe for his breakthrough achievements. He marries an extraordinarily beautiful woman whose only flaw is a tiny birthmark on her cheek.
What is the thesis of the birthmark?
Thesis Statement: In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “The Birthmark,” the main character Aylmer pursuit for perfection conflicts directly with human mortality, ultimately resulting in the death of his wife, Georgiana .
What is the main conflict in birthmark?
In “The Birthmark,” the conflict is that Aylmer, the protagonist, cannot accept his wife Georgiana’s small birthmark.
What does Georgiana symbolize?
As the bearer of the birthmark, Georgiana is the embodiment of human imperfection and mortality, at least in her physical form. Beyond the birthmark, she represents divine perfection , as Aylmer himself goes so far as to say, “There is no taint of imperfection on thy spirit” (430).
What is the irony in the birthmark?
The irony is that the elixir does remove her birthmark, but it also kills her . The elixir destroys her physical beauty in an effort to improve it. It is also ironic that Aylmer is a highly intelligent man, but has no wisdom. He does not see that his wife’s inner beauty is what is really important.
Who is the real villain in the birthmark?
If Aylmer is the villain of the story, Georgiana is the heroine. She acts as society says she should, trusting her husband absolutely, and her only reward for her obedience and deference is death.
What happened to Georgiana in the birthmark?
Although she is very beautiful and much admired by men, she has a small, reddish, hand-shaped birthmark on her left cheek. ... Ultimately, she dies when the birthmark disappears because it was the only imperfect part of her, and thus her only link to the mortal world.
“The Birthmark” has a very sinister tone . From the beginning, Aylmer’s obsession with the birthmark on his wife’s face doesn’t bode well for any of the characters. He prevents happiness and accord in their marriage because he cannot let go of what he sees as a blemish and imperfection.
Is the story the birthmark a parable or allegory?
Hawthorne often uses allegory in his short stories to add a different perspective onto his many works. In his short story, “The Birthmark,” Hawthorne utilizes foreshadowing and symbolism to portray the allegorical lesson that striving for perfection results in troubling outcomes.
How do you write a thesis statement example?
Example: To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you must procure the ingredients, find a knife, and spread the condiments . This thesis showed the reader the topic (a type of sandwich) and the direction the essay will take (describing how the sandwich is made).
What is the climax of the story the birthmark?
Climax. The couple moves to his apartment where he performs his scientific experiments . As Georgiana studies the various aspects of her husband’s profession she finds herself captivated by what he can do. Although, she reads his journals and finds out that all his experiments never quite reach their full goal.
Who is aminadab in the birthmark?
Aminadab. Aylmer’s assistant . A hulking, strong, grubby man, Aminadab is an able helper but simultaneously disgusted by Aylmer’s desire to erase Georgiana’s birthmark. Because Aminadab represents the physical side of existence, his disgust is a strong indictment of Aylmer.
How do other men View Georgiana’s birthmark?
Georgiana’s male admirers love the birthmark , and many would risk their lives just to kiss it. Some women think the mark ruins her beauty, but the narrator says this is nonsense. Aylmer obsesses about the birthmark. For him, it symbolizes mortality and sin and comes to tower over Georgiana’s beauty in his mind.
How does foreshadowing affect the overall message of the story the birthmark?
“The Birthmark” is rife with the kind of foreshadowing that may strike modern readers as heavy-handed. ... She interprets it correctly, firmly believing that the birthmark’s removal may lead to her death.
