"The Birthmark" - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Being an avid fan of Nathaniel Hawthorne, I am pleased to share my response to “The Birthmark,” one of Hawthorne’s short stories. This short story shares the tale of a scientist, Aylmer, who gave up science in order to marry “a beautiful woman” (Hawthorne), Georgiana; however, she has a small birthmark in the shape of a hand on her cheek. Aylmer found this mark to hinder her beauty and, as time passes, becomes more and more disturbed by her imperfection. Georgina becomes distraught because her birthmark repulses her husband. The couple decides to move back to Aylmer’s laboratory so he can continue his studies; however, he is still obsessing over the birthmark. After realizing her husband can no longer love her because of her blemish, she agrees to drink an elixir that will remove it.  The birthmark begins to fade and Aylmer is overjoyed. Although the potion is successful, it causes Georgiana to die, leaving Aylmer alone with the lifeless, but perfect, woman.

            This story initially presents the theme of perfection. Georgiana’s birthmark had never been a problem before with other suitors; in fact, she was always told it was a “charm” that some “fairy” had given her at birth that would give her the gift to “sway over all hearts.” On the other hand, Aylmer saw it as the only thing keeping his wife from absolute perfection. He becomes obsessed with the flaw, which in turn causes his wife to despise it as well. She is willing to die in order to please her husband; this represents the world’s obsession with perfection. Some people are willing to go to drastic measures in order to fit into a certain mold; however, Hawthorne’s use of death exemplifies that perfection is unattainable, and people should be pleased with what nature has bestowed them. Aylmer attempts to be God-like and change nature’s actions. He tries to create perfection, instead of enjoying “the best the earth could offer.” Georgiana’s birthmark depicts uniqueness and individuality. It rejects order, embodying the characteristics of romanticism. Everything in nature is blemished, yet there is beauty in everything. Aylmer, in his effort to change nature, fails, and his wife dies as just another unsuccessful experiment.  

            Secondly, Hawthorne presents his readers with the idea of sin as an imperfection. Unlike his other stories, “The Birthmark” seems to glorify an imperfection. Georgiana is depicted as pure through the use of imagery and color; her birthmark is depicted as crimson, representing sin as well as passion. By removing the birthmark, Aylmer is also removing the passion in their relationship. He once felt love for this beautiful woman and did not care about her birthmark. Now that he despises the mark, he wants to return to his first love, science, and uses Georgiana’s imperfection as an excuse. The birthmark also represents that humanity is naturally flawed; Georgiana states, “The stain goes as deep as life itself,” and refers to the birthmark as a “firm grip of this little hand which was lad upon me before I came into the world.” This shows that sin is basically essential for life on earth; all humans are destined to be sinners. Once this sin is removed, she dies, showing that a life without sin is impossible. Her passing also represents that upon death, perfection is possible in heaven.

            This was my initial reaction to Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark.” I admire his use of imperfection to enhance awareness that beauty is natural, and perfection is impossible to attain. “The Birthmark” is an interesting read and I would encourage you all to read it if given the chance.  - Savannah

McKinney