The Birthmark Theme

Have you ever played god? Well in “The Birthmark” this is a major occurrence and shows part of it’s theme. I believe this theme is science vs. nature and that playing god is just one way this battle takes place. Science vs. Nature is the the theme of “The Birthmark” because of, the constant act of playing god. This shows Science’s front in the “battle” of Science vs. Nature. The Scientists playing god are trying to control nature. This is evident in the story in places such as how Aylmer wants to make Georgiana perfect which would require him to play god and remove the birthmark which Nature placed on her as her only imperfection.Not only do you have this throughout the story but you have other things that are more specific such as “It is

Nature’s whole front of fighting or it’s “pushing force”. This is the fact that no one can be perfect and that nature will make sure that it won’t happen. This is shown in how Georgiana, who was so close to perfection, could never be perfect. Even when she was born she had that birthmark which was her one sign of Earthly imperfection. This drove Aylmer crazy being she was so close but that Nature was winning. It is shown how Nature wins in the very end when it says” The fatal hand had grappled with the mystery of life, and was the bond by which an angelic spirit kept itself in union with a mortal frame. As the last crimson tint of the birthmark-- that sole token of human imperfection-- faded from her cheek, the parting breath of the now perfect woman passed into the atmosphere, and her soul, lingering a moment near her husband, took its heavenward flight. Then a hoarse, chuckling laugh was hard again!” This last sentence is about Aminadab who is a representation of Nature and is showing his glee in winning the battle. Also, for this theme you have the comparison between Aylmer and Aminadab. They are complete opposites. Aylmer represents Science while Aminadab represents Nature. The relationship shows how Nature lets Science thinks it has won then come back in the end and wins.

So now you know why I believe that Science vs. Nature is the theme of “The Birthmark”. This theme says to me that we need to be careful of what nature does. It is extremely powerful and is a force to be reckoned with. I believe humanity should stop playing god as much and just let nature be. I also took from the story the fact that Nathaniel Hawthorne agreed with my views on not playing god. He believes that it is wrong to tamper with god’s work and I believe this to be true