The Birthmark

The short story “The Birthmark”, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, plunges the readers into the dramatic atmosphere of scientific endeavors. A multitude of emotions arise as the protagonist, a prominent scientist, wishes to remove a birthmark appearing on the cheek of his lovely wife. However, Georgiana seems to disagree with the venture, as readers feel she is seriously threaten by the removal of her birthmark, which could be seen as the impurity among her gorgeousness. The presence of science in the story releases an element anxiousness as it is portrayed somewhat threatening for the readers. Multiple elements of the story sustain the anxious viewpoint of science as readers endure a vast range of negative emotions. Firstly, Aylmer’s inhospitable

On the other hand, the unethical use of Georgiana as subject of Aylmer’s cold experiments insinuates a dishonest and threatening approach towards scientific practice. Despite, Aylmer desires to pursue his malicious experiments leading the one’s behind the page to endure an uncontrollable fear builds against the man of science.
It is evident that one of the main causes that stimulates the threatening appearance of science in the story is caused by the ghastly and unwelcoming atmosphere coming from Aylmer’s lab. Throughout the story, it is perceived that Georgiana prefers to never penetrate her husband’s lab as she might interrupt her work. Conversely, Aylmer wishes his wife to participate in his work as her birthmark is now the cause of his scientific enthusiasm. Readers understand Georgiana’s perception of the laboratory when she declares: “The atmosphere felt oppressively close, and was tainted with gaseous odors which had been tormented forth by the processes of science.” (Hawthorne 11). Georgiana is certainly not reassured by the appearance of Aylmer’s laboratory before the removal of her birthmark.

Specifically, elements such as the description of the laboratory and the exploitation of Georgiana as a tool to Aylmer’s science forge the concept of science, which is defined as a threat for the readers. The description used to represent the Aylmer’s hostile laboratory emphasizes the insecurity related to scientific practice. Furthermore, Georgiana’s perception of the laboratory also suggest that the scientist practices a dangerous and desolating art, in other words perceived as threatening. It is evident that Aylmer’s ambition to reach perfection using scientific knowledge is an important throughout the reading. However, it is important to illustrate that reaching complete perfection through scientific practice is unimaginable, as his lover has perished due to his hypocrisy in order to reach a divine