The Birthmark Literary Analysis - 914 Words

In â€Å"The Birthmark†, a short story by Nathanial Hawthorne, the use of the archetypal conflict Nature vs. Science, the character of Damsel in Distress, and the symbol of the Incurable Wound show how easily beauty is overlooked in the endeavor for perfection. The archetypal conflict of Nature vs. Science is shown in Aylmer’s intention to remove the birthmark, nature’s constant reminder of human mortality, from Georgiana’s cheek. Aylmer believed that the birthmark might heighten Georgiana’s beauty if it wasn’t her only visible imperfection, but on Georgiana’s otherwise flawless complexion the birthmark was nothing more than â€Å"the fatal flaw of humanity†¦the ineludible gripe in which mortality clutches the highest and purest of earthly mould,†¦show more content†¦Georgiana had always lived with the birthmark, and was quite fond of its charm. Many people in the town believe it was a fairy’s handprint left to sw ay all hearts; to them the mark only magnified her appeal. The mark’s charm had rarely been questioned by anyone other than the jealous women of the town, and its peculiar nature had once intrigued Aylmer and amplified his attraction to Georgiana. He begged for her hand in marriage, but soon after they were wed, he queried whether Georgiana had ever considered having the birthmark removed. She was hurt by the implication that the mark depreciated her and grew upset with her husband. As time passed, Aylmer continued to stare at the mark, unable to keep his eyes from wandering to it. This continued until Georgiana was no longer able to ignore the way his eyes were always fixated on this sole imperfection, the crimson hand that kept him up at night and plagued his dreams. She asked Aylmer to remove the mark, or take her life because she no longer wanted to live if she had to live with the mark. She preferred death to the harsh scrutiny from her husband. The symbolic meaning of t he Incurable Wound is used to show the psychological impact of Georgiana’s insecurity about the birthmark because of Aylmer’s lack of acceptance of her natural beauty. â€Å"Research has primarily focused on the consequences of exposure to beauty advertisingShow MoreRelatedThe Birthmark Literary Analysis1614 Words   |  7 PagesThe Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne is trying to communicate some important ideas about a variety of themes, he articulates a few weighty themes around this brief argument: the struggle between science and nature. In a story full of successful and almost magical scientific experiments, it is intact nature itself that is more powerful than any creation made by man. As is to be expected, this path to perfection also includes the creation of life and the victory over death. In the birthmark AylmerRead MoreA Separate Peace, By Nathaniel Hawthorne996 Words   |  4 Pagesnot get to do in depth analysis so as to encounter such in lifestyle. As an example, at this point the planet is at the verge of a war. Humans have completely different views and perceptions of the implications such events would bring around the planet. There has always been an unending struggle of deciding between good and evil. As humans, we have a tendency to do not understand or notice a balance between them so as to achieve a positive outcome. In any work of literary art, here are sides ofRead MoreThe Idea Expression Dichotomy1744 Words   |  7 Pagesplot ‘lovers are in proximity of blood’ is abstract enough to be an idea; While in another case, ‘father had secretly sent his daughter to other while remembering a birthmark on her shoulder. 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This conflictRead MoreSimilar Gothic Elements in the Work of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne2436 Words   |  10 Pages Nathaniel Hawthorne was one of the most valiant and significant writers of fiction before the Civil War. He gained fame for publishing, The Scarlet Letter, and was praised for his literary style. The Scarlet Letter, allowed him to direct atte ntion to issues he valued. Other stories like, â€Å"The Birthmark,† and, â€Å"Rappaccini’s Daughter,† provided a unique view of a how a male dominated society can harm its women. Author Henry James considered him a genius and the most significant writer of hisRead MoreEssay on Analyis of Knowledge of a Possibility by JUllary Putnam2603 Words   |  11 Pagesas define Formal Realism. In Hilary Putnam’s â€Å"Literature Science, and Reflection†, Putnam discusses both the limitations and potentials of knowledge in literature. The criterion for knowledge is rather complex and Putnam addresses literary knowledge in â€Å"both the empirical and conceptual elements† (Putnam 488). On the one hand, there are the conceptual elements of knowledge, those that can be considered â€Å"knowledge of possibility† (Putnam 488) that allow us to think of new possibilitiesRead More Characterization, Identities, and the Supernatural in Otranto2209 Words   |  9 PagesIsabella, to his murderous rage. Morris also points out the recurring set of patterns and coincidences. Theodore escapes from imprisonment not once, not twice, but three times. He appears at the perfect moment to aid Isabella in her escape, and his birthmark is revealed only seconds before Manfreds order to behead him, rescuing him from death and revealing him as the rightful successor to the municipality of Otranto. These perfectly timed appearances emphasize the idea of â€Å"surface† with no â€Å"depth† —Read MoreModern Environmental Degradation And Exploitation3639 Words   |  15 Pagesdegrade the natural splendor and resources of our planet. Since every transformative process bears the scars of revolution, Marx argues that, in emerging from the shackles of capitalism, socialism or the â€Å"first phase† of communism will bear the birthmarks of the previous order. Thus, each worker will be given credit for his contribution. When these changes transform the society and socialism extends throughout the world, humanity will enter the final stage of pure communism characterized by StatelessnessRead MoreEssay The Salem Witchcraft Trials of 16924260 Words   |  18 Pagesdid not participate in the trials, the other girls were joined by other young and mature women in staging public demonstrations of their affliction when in the presence of accused witches. The events in Salem have been used as a theme in many literary works, including the play by Arthur Miller which we are going to read during this unit. They are interesting to anthropologists because they display some of the characteristics of village witchcraft and some of the features of the European witchRead MoreFigurative Language and the Canterbury Tales13472 Words   |  54 Pages1. allegory: a literary work that has a second meaning beneath the surface, often relating to a fixed, corresponding idea or moral principle. 2. alliteration: repetition of initial consonant sounds. It serves to please the ear and bind verses together, to make lines more memorable, and for humorous effect. †¢ Already American vessels had been searched, seized, and sunk. -John F. Kennedy †¢ I should like to hear him fly with the high fields/ And wake to the farm forever fled from the childless