nat-u-ral : 1) based on an inherent sense of right and wrong; 2a) being in accordance with or determined by nature. .

             In "The Birthmark", Nathaniel Hawthorne writes the story of a scientist who marries a beautiful young woman with only one imperfection; a crimson birthmark on her left cheek. Aylmer later becomes obsessed with this flaw and thinks nothing but of the removal of the birthmark, which would then render his bride "perfect". Even though Georgiana has never disliked her birthmark, she resolves that the only way for her marriage to continue is for Aylmer to eradicate her of this "curse" at all costs. Upon the "successful" removal Georgiana dies, a victim of her husband's greed for beauty. Through the use of various literary devices Hawthorne conveys a serious warning, encouraging the reader to recognize the moral implications involved with man's aspirations of challenging the natural order through scientific achievement. .

             From the very beginning, Hawthorne utilizes an omniscient narrator to create a type of separation between his readers and characters in the story. This separation enables the moral lesson to develop unhindered by any potential character association common in first person point of view literature. Emotionally unattached, the reader can thus observe the author's more subtle plot lines and gain a better appreciation of what motives the characters personify. Only then can one begin to understand the allegorical representations throughout that imply a more significant moral than the literal representation of the characters. .

             The description of Aylmer is significant in that much is detailed about his passion and devotion for science, but little to nothing mentioned about any other aspect about what makes him unique. This generalization alludes to the idea that Aylmer is a representation of the scientific movement or more specifically man's obsession with science.