Preserving Imperfection By Nathaniel Hawthorne's Use Of Symbolism In "The Birthmark"
"The Birthmark" by Hawthorne is a short fiction that warns readers to take a second thought towards pursuing physical perfection. Throughout the story, Hawthorne uses a great deal of symbolism. These symbols in Hawthorne's "Birthmark" not only foreshadow the outcome of the story but also reinforce the theme significantly. The birthmark in the story is a tiny, hand-shaped imperfection on Georgiana's cheek. This tiny mark on Georgiana's cheek may seem to be charming by others. However, to her husband, Aylmer, the birthmark is far from charming. In fact, it is perceived as a "crimson hand"(329) that lures him into destruction. By trying to manipulate Georgiana's natural beauty with science, Aylmer acts as a devil and brings Georgiana to the end of her destiny. The fact that, altering nature with any non-natural forces is destructive is represented throughout the story with the symbolism of the birthmark, Aylmer, and Georgiana.
Among all the symbols in the story, the birthmark is the......
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Approximate Word Count: 835
Approximate Pages: 4 (250 words per double-spaced page)
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Preserving Imperfection By Nathaniel Hawthorne's Use Of Symbolism...
Preserving Imperfection by Nathaniel Hawthorne's Use of Symbolism in "The Birthmark" "The Birthmark" by Hawthorne is a short fiction that warns readers to take a second thought
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