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Introduction
Nathaniel Hawthornes short story, The Birthmark, centers on the relationships between Aylmer, the brilliant scientist and alchemist, and his wife, the beautiful Georgiana. Despite the storys main focus on Georgianas mysterious birthmark, the author explores many themes by explaining the main characters thoughts and perceptions. Moreover, even though the story takes place in the late 1700s, most of the themes featured in the story are still relevant in modern society.
Discussion
Firstly, The Birthmark demonstratively explores the theme of the human craving for beauty and unnatural perfection through the characters attitude towards the birthmark. Birthmarks at that period were perceived as maternal deformities, and mothers were considered responsible for such deformities (Clecker and Grabher 4). The maternal connection of birthmarks suggests that birthmarks can represent traces left by Mother Nature. The balance of beauty and nature is also emphasized in the scene where Georgiana finally becomes perfect when the birthmark leaves her cheek, but she can only breathe once before dying. Georgianas death can be perceived as divine natures refusal of artificial interference in its design. The author also emphasizes that it is unknown whether Aylmer believed in mans ultimate control over nature (Hawthorne 210). In the modern world, the theme can be associated with the detrimental effect of human activity on nature and the gradual transition from artificial products back to natural and environmentally friendly production.
Furthermore, the theme of obsession with visual perfection is still relevant in modern society, which formed strict beauty standards due to the abundance of pressure from social media. Many people in the modern world develop plastic surgery addiction while justifying their desire to change one detail of their appearance as the last step to perfection. Even though Hawthornes story does not indicate the presence of Aylmers addiction to perfecting the wifes appearance through cosmetic procedures, this possibility is suggested by some details in the history. For example, one of Aylmers inventions can wash away freckles from an individuals face as easily as the hands are cleaned (Hawthorne 216). In addition, Georgianas exploration of her husbands records discovered that he was trying to achieve perfection in all his experiments. Therefore, it is quite possible that Aylmer would still want to change something else in his wifes appearance in case of success.
Lastly, for the modern reader, the story shows how not balancing work, and personal life can negatively affect an individuals feeling of happiness. The introduction to the story explains that Aylmer replaced his passion for work with his love for Georgiana because both passions are similar in depth and absorbing energy (Hawthorne 210). Thus, Aylmers decision to free his wife from the birthmark can be perceived as a manifestation of a suppressed passion for science. Coincidentally, the first thought about the birthmarks removal visits Aylmer during his sleep, emphasizing the hidden nature of his true desire for science (Hawthorne 212). In the same dream, Aylmer foresees the birthmarks connection with his wifes life but proceeds to combine personal interests and work in the experiment that costs Georgiana her life. In modern conditions, Aylmer would eventually refuse his obsessive desires by learning to balance personal life and work and live happily in the present.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this essay explored the relevance of themes in Hawthornes short story The Birthmark to modern life. The story features important themes such as human intervention in natural laws and its negative influence on nature, addiction to the pursuit of physical perfection, and balancing personal life and work. Thus, combined with an exciting plot, the coverage of relevant themes in the story may serve as a reason for modern readers to familiarize themselves with Hawthornes work.
Works Cited
Clecker, Cornelia, and Gudrun M. Grabher. The Disfigured Face in American Literature, Film, and Television. Taylor & Francis, 2021.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Birthmark. Literature and the Writing Process, edited by Elizabeth McMahan. Robert Funk, Susan X. Day and Linda S. Coleman, Pearson, 2017, pp. 210-221.
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