Aylmer’s Disdain for the Birthmark: Symbolism of Imperfection and Fear of Mortality in “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

 

Aylmer’s Disdain for the Birthmark: Symbolism of Imperfection and Fear of Mortality in “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Birthmark,” Aylmer’s disdain for his wife Georgiana’s birthmark serves as a powerful symbol of imperfection and mortality. Aylmer’s obsessive desire to remove the birthmark reflects his deeper fear and anxiety over the inevitability of death, highlighting the overarching theme of human hubris and the quest for perfection. By closely examining Aylmer’s attitude towards the birthmark, we can unravel its symbolic significance and its connection to the story’s exploration of mortality and human nature.

Thesis Statement

Aylmer’s repugnance towards Georgiana’s birthmark in “The Birthmark” symbolizes his fear of imperfection and mortality, ultimately revealing the destructive consequences of pursuing an unattainable ideal of perfection.

Aylmer’s Disdain for the Birthmark: Symbolism of Imperfection

Aylmer, a brilliant scientist, is portrayed as a perfectionist who views the birthmark on Georgiana’s cheek as a flaw that mars her otherwise flawless beauty. The birthmark, described as a crimson stain resembling a tiny hand, symbolizes mortality and imperfection in its visible presence on Georgiana’s otherwise perfect face. Aylmer’s fixation on removing the birthmark reflects his obsession with eradicating any semblance of imperfection, hinting at his deeper fear of mortality and the transient nature of life.

Correlation to Fear and Anxiety Over Death

Aylmer’s intense aversion to the birthmark correlates directly with his underlying fear and anxiety over death. The birthmark serves as a constant reminder of mortality and the inherent imperfections of human existence. Aylmer’s desperate attempts to rid Georgiana of the birthmark can be seen as a manifestation of his belief that by eliminating this physical imperfection, he can somehow conquer the inevitability of death and achieve a state of perfection that transcends human limitations.

Significance in Relation to the Story’s Overall Meaning

The symbolism of Aylmer’s disdain for the birthmark extends beyond a mere physical imperfection; it delves into the larger themes of mortality, human hubris, and the quest for unattainable perfection. Aylmer’s relentless pursuit of eradicating the birthmark represents a futile endeavor to defy the natural order of life and death. The tragic consequences of his actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fixating on perfection at the expense of embracing human imperfections and mortality.

Conclusion

In “The Birthmark,” Aylmer’s disdain for Georgiana’s birthmark symbolizes his deep-seated fear of imperfection and mortality. Through Aylmer’s obsessive quest for perfection, Nathaniel Hawthorne explores themes of human hubris, the transient nature of life, and the destructive consequences of rejecting inherent imperfections. The birthmark serves as a poignant symbol that underscores the futility of seeking unattainable ideals while emphasizing the beauty and complexity of human imperfections in the face of mortality.