Birthday Mark by Nathaniel Hawthorne - 1146 Words

The discovery of electricity opened the door to many mysteries that challenged scientists of the nineteenth century. Nathaniel Hawthorne writes of some challenges that man could run into during the exploration and application of new technology in The Birthmark. These challenges are not entirely physical but they are more so about an internal struggle within Victorian mindsets. In The Birthmark there are only three characters: Aylmer, a scientist, Georgiana, Aylmer’s wife, and Aminadab, Aylmer’s lab assistant. Hawthorne isolates the characters in their caste to present individual viewpoints of a tragic flaw. Each character promotes innocence but they are caught up in traditional values. Hawthorne writes of an honest but fatal mistake†¦show more content†¦His assistant, Aminadab is a â€Å"sub-human in his eyes† (Fairbanks, 103). Aminadab is a complete contrast to Aylmer but none of Aylmer’s experiments would be possible without the help of this â€Å"human machine† (Hawthorne, 298). He is of great importance to Aylmer, but Hawthorne makes it clear that Aylmer thinks of himself much higher than the common man. Aminadab’s importance to the story lies within the fact that he is an invisible character everywhere except the lab. His profound contrast to Aylmer’s character away from Georgiana provides the reader with a clearer picture of the mad scientist as he attempts to overthrow nature. When Aylmer fails to do so, Aminadab laughs triumphantly at the tragic hero’s attempt to control nature. These two characters show opposing thoughts and reactions to the murder of Aylmer’s now perfect, dead bride. Hawthorne’s heavy use of symbolism carries a lot of undertones that reveals irony on many levels as he wraps up the story. The most obvious is that Aylmer murders his lovely bride when he perfects Nature. Georgiana is enamored by Aylmer’s experiments even though he often fails. She gains confidence and submits herself willingly but only to vicariously pursue happiness through her husband’s experiment. Knowing that her birthmark makes her an object of horror to the one she loves, she finds life to be a burden and is willing to risk her own life for both of their happiness (Hawthorne 292).Show MoreRelatedNathaniel Hawthorne: Literature of Consience Essay2942 Words   |  12 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne’s works established him as one of the most unique authors of the 19th century. With works such as The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne not only entertained his audience, he made them look at their own life and compare it to 17th century Puritan New England. He also brought readers to the realization of how harsh and difficult the period of American History was. Hawthorne’s unique style of writing and his ability to probe deep into the human conscience made him one of Early America’sRead More The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay1289 Words   |  6 PagesFirst Paper - The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne As human beings, we are NOT perfect! It is part of our nature to be flawed one way or another. But there are some who choose to believe the opposing view. The theme of Nathaniel Hawthornes short story The Birthmark is how humans fight forcefully against Nature for perfection. It is those humans who, eventually, learn that Nature cannot be changed or revised. Aylmer was a famous scientist and philosopher who achieved great wonders.