the birthmark

The Birthmark is a parable about the fact that the scientist's attempt to perfect nature may destroy life itself which is inextricably entwined with its imperfections. Aylmer is the scientist who wants to control nature, he rejects the world of common imperfection and insists on removing his wife's birthmark to demonstrate his superiority over nature. He hoped he would be able to create life and thus aspired to be God-like: "he attempted to fathom the very process by which Nature assimilates all her precious influences from earth and air, and from the spiritual world, to create and foster man". The best that earth has to offer can never be perfect as the scientist wills it to be since imperfection is intertwined with humanity and Aylmer in his aspiration to be God and seek the perfection of the celestial destroyed his earthly love which has the power to lead to the perfection of a higher-state. Related articles on Suite101 My Kinsman, Major Molineux by Nathaniel Hawthorne Roger Malvin's Burial by Nathaniel Hawthorne The Gentle Boy by Nathaniel Hawthorne Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne the birthmark