What is the central idea of birthmark?

‘The Birthmark’ focuses on the theme of obsession, particularly the moment when love becomes an obsession, making it dangerous—and even deadly, shown in Aylmer’s obsession with the birthmark and Georgiana’s obsession with Aylmer to the point of willing suicide by poison.

What does the birthmark represent for Aylmer?

In one sense, Aylmer sees the birthmark as a symbol of sin and moral degeneracy, and he imagines it ingrained not only on his wife’s skin but on her heart, indicating a significance beyond that of her physical appearance.

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.

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 are two themes of birthmark?

The Birthmark Themes

• Science, Nature, and Religion. “The Birthmark” centers around the conflict between science and nature.
• Perfection. The narrator describes Georgiana as perfect in every way except for the birthmark on her cheek.
• Fatal Pride.
• Submission and Sacrifice.
• Mortality.

How does the birthmark relate to our society?

In our society people go to extreme lengths to achieve perfection. The ‘Birthmark’;, written more than a century ago, is an early version of our modern obsession with physical perfection. Society manifests its obsession with physical perfection by having surgical procedures done on daily basis.

What does the plant symbolize in the birthmark?

The plants not only foreshadow Georgiana’s death, but also emphasize the role of nature in the story. Later, Aylmer pours liquid over a diseased plant before having Georgiana drinks the liquid. The liquid removes the plant’s discolorations, just as it removes Georgiana’s birthmark.

What do the plants symbolize in the birthmark?

Plants. Aylmer twice uses plants to demonstrate scientific points, and in both instances they represent Georgiana herself and foreshadow the effect of the experiment on her.

What is Aylmer’s flaw?

Aylmer is not satisfied with an earthly, ordinary love – he dreams of something greater. Of course, it is just this something greater that really gets out Aylmer into trouble. We’ve got him off the hook for superficiality, but we still have to deal with his big character flaw: ambition.

What is the fatal flaw in the birthmark?

This is the case for Aylmer in the birthmark. Within the short story, Aylmer’s fatal flaw of obsession and a smattering of fate lead to Georgiana’s death. Aylmer must create perfection, he had been striving to do so for most of his adult life, he had always failed to reach his goal.

In what way is this story a parable or allegory the birthmark?

“The Birthmark” is an allegory and much of the allegorical meaning is composed through Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of symbolism. He can not stop himself from being drawn to perfection. Georgiana finds out that her birthmark shocks her husband and he is bothered by it.

What are some examples of paradox in the birthmark?

After the removal of the birthmark, Aylmer’s wife was perfect for a short few moments, only to die. Paradox: A statement that seems contrary to common sense. Georgiana states during a discussion with her husband “let the attempt be made at whatever the risk.

What is the significance of the birthmark in Hawthorne’s story and how does it change from the beginning to the end?

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.

What are some themes in the birthmark?

What does the sunlight symbolize in the birthmark?

In this story, sunlight represents nature and its influence. Aylmer lights his laboratory with chemical lamps and does not allow sunlight in, which demonstrates his worship of science and scorn of nature’s power.

What is the significance of Aylmer’s dream?

Aylmer’s prophetic dream illustrates that he is more inclined to cherish his intellectual pursuits than the life of his spouse. The fact that he dreams a dark future for himself yet pursues it, underscores the chilliness of his own heart.

Is Georgiana a static or dynamic character?

Georgianna is a dynamic character because she gives in an does the experiment that changes her.

What kinds of imperfections does the birthmark represent?

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. The hand-shaped mark on Georgiana’s cheek is the one blemish on an otherwise perfect being, a blemish that marks her as mortal.