The Love of Science Nathainel Hawthornes The Birthmark

A detailed Summary of The Love of Science Nathainel Hawthornes The Birthmark

In this essay, I will discuss how science manifests evil in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark." Science is a major asset in the world today. The use and dependence of science is overwhelming. Many scientific experiments are ungodly. Hawthorne brings up many important issues in his story. I will concentrate on how Aylmer puts his love for science before his love for other people and himself.

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts, of a prominent Puritan family. Hawthorne's father died when he was very young and this influenced his somber and solitary attitude. Hawthorne read works by many different poets and romancers.

As Hawthorne became a man, he married Sophia Peabody. Even though his marriage was a happy turning point in his life, Hawthorne still refused to share the optimistic philosophy of Transcendentalism. While making his home in the Old Manse, he continued his analysis of the Puritan mind. This was the breaking point for his writing Moses From and Old Manse, which included "The Birthmark."

In Hawthorne's "The Birthmark," Aylmer actually puts his first love, science, aside to persuade a lover. He feels that it is time to find a wife. Years ago "...it was not unusual for the lov

When Georgiana awakens, she smiles at her reflection in the mirror. But then she mutters "'My poor Aylmer...I am dying.'" (Hawthorne 288) It was true, just as Aylmer was celebrating his success; he has killed he wife for hi love of science.

When Aylmer arrives with a liquid concoction, Georgiana says "...methinks I am of all mortals the most fit to die.'" (Hawthorne 286) Her husbands reply is "'...why do we speak of dying?'" (Hawthorne 286) When he shows Georgiana the affects his concoction shows upon a dying geranium, she does not hesitate to drink the liquid. As Georgiana slumbers, Aylmer watches in ecstasy, the dissappearance of Georgiana's birthmark. He is thrilled with his success.

Georgiana then worries about her husband's feelings of disgust and says "'If there be the remotest possibility of it...let the attempt be made at whatever risk. Danger is nothing to me; for life, while this hateful makes me the object of your horror and disgust, -- life is a burden which I would fling down with joy. Either remove this dreadful hand, or take my wretched life! You have deep science.'" (Hawthorne 280) She trusts her husband and his work.

Once married, Aylmer brings to his new wife's attention the small birthmark upon her cheek. When he asks her if she has ever thought about removing it, she is very upset with her husband. He asks, "'... has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?'" (Hawthorne 278) She is surprised that her husband would even ask his wife such a question. Her response is "'..

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Approximate Word count = 1036
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English