Hawthorne in the Birthmark uses irony, ambiguity, paradox, and symbol to create a story that is rich in meaning. The most obvious use of these devices is the title of the story itself. The birthmark is a physical mark on Georgiana’s face that Hawthorne makes into a symbol of her innermost self. The irony is … Read more
The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic work of American literature that is rich in symbolism. The story’s protagonist, Aylmer, is a scientist who is obsessed with removing a birthmark from his wife’s cheek. The birthmark itself is symbolic of the imperfection of human nature and Aylmer’s obsession with removing it represents his quest … Read more
The Birthmark, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is a story about using science for good and evil. The main character, Aylmer , loses his wife Georgiana because he wanted to rid her of a “birthmark” that she had on the right side of her cheek. The symbolism in The Birthmark is symbolizing how man will try … Read more
The Birthmark on Aylmer’s wife was an obsession of his, so much so that he became mad with the desire to rid her of it. The story revolves around this concept and the consequences of Aylmer’s actions. The name Nathaniel Hawthorne himself is analogous to The Birthmark . The ‘praise’ given by other scientists/philosophers in … Read more
