The Effects Of Imperfection In The Birthmark

Theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. Theme is vital to a story because it is the basis for why the author wrote the story in the first place. Imperfection is quite prevalent in The Birthmark, as Hawthorne is presenting the dilemma of a flawed nature, and the damage it can bring about. The usage of the “imperfect” theme plays into the ideals that Hawthorne uses to show the effects of Alymer’s strive to remove Georgiana’s birthmark. Within the usage of such a theme, it introduces the message of insecurity and inner hatred many feel towards ‘flaws' , the conflict between science and nature, and the irony in that the seek for perfection will only find us a loss within what we value the most.
Essentially,

In The Birthmark the wife has a birthmark on her face, and as told by everyone around her that she is unique and quite beautiful. Though her husband seems to disagree, and with that makes it his purpose to degrade that aspect of her, and push for her to want a change. It states "Ah, upon another face, perhaps it might," replied her husband. "But never on yours! No, dearest Georgiana, you came so nearly perfect from the hand of Nature, that this slightest possible defect--which we hesitate whether to term a defect or a beauty--shocks me, as being the visible mark of earthly imperfection” (Hawthorne 1). He begins to demonize this flaw as he thinks this flaw brings away from his wife not only visually but upon her heart. Continually it is stated “In this manner, selecting it as the symbol of his wife's liability to sin, sorrow,

That between science and nature. As noted Aylmer is a devoted scientist, and is challenged between his scientific want for change, and the natural perfection he views his wife in. “He had devoted himself, however, too unreservedly to scientific studies, ever to be weaned from them by any second passion. His love for his young wife might prove the stronger of the two; but it could only be by intertwining itself with his love of science, and uniting the strength of the latter to its own” (Hawthorne 1). Aylmer cannot accept the way that nature had created his wife. Instead he used it as a way to change her. Combining his two loves was his way of creating the ‘perfect’ balance within his life. "The Birthmark" is interested in Nature as the personified creator of all things. Moreover, Aylmer challenges nature to become a creator of his own. Dictating and changing the way things are to his own personal perception; including the beauty of his wife. The theme of perfection is again prevalent here, as it shows how the desperation of having a flawless wife has affected Aylmer’s separation from his scientific abilities to his natural moral reaction to life, and those that are a part of it.
Furthermore, the theme of perfection ends quite ironically as it shows that such strong intentions of being ‘perfect’ will end up doing more harm than good. For reference, in The Birthmark Aylmer does finally achieve the removal