The Birthmark

“The Birthmark” A Quest for Perfection In the short story “The Birthmark,” Nathaniel Hawthorne uses the characters, foreshadowing, and symbolism to demonstrate the theme that physical perfection cannot be reached through science and technology. Hawthorne uses the characters in “The Birthmark” as an instrument to fulfill his motives. Aylmer marries Georgiana and finds her only imperfection, a birthmark. This imperfection bears the resemblance of a tiny “crimson hand” and is visible on Georgiana’s left …

…This reminds the reader that the hand is a sign of mortality. The birthmark is directly connected to nature and life. Hawthorne uses the characters, foreshadowing, and symbolism to prepare the reader for what is to come in the story but to warn the reader of the consequence that follow reckless and selfish behavior. Hawthorne reveals, through the unfortunate outcome of Aylmer’s experiment, that science cannot interfere with what God naturally bestows on humankind.