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Examples Of Romanticism In The Birthmark

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A goal of romanticism is to display strong emotions. However as quickly as emotions can grow, Hawthorne shows that when the emotions grow too strong love can get dangerous, well in this short story even deadly. The dominant issue in “The Birthmark” is that of Georgiana’s human imperfection, as symbolized by the birthmark. The theme of imperfection arises frequently in the statements made by Aylmer, even the distinguishable ones. Aylmer states, “I am convinced of the perfect practicality of its removal” (Hawthorne 648). Aylmer obsession with the success of science overweighs the love he has for his wife. Georgina comes to terms that her identity is imperfect and that she is self-worthless if she is not perfect in her husband's eyes. Georgina says, “If there be the remotest possibility of it, let the attempt be made, at whatever risk. …show more content…

Aminadab is the only character in the short story who has no desire to perfect Georgiana. Aylmer and Aminadab presents several images of almighty elements of men. Repeatedly in the story, Aylmer is characterized as portraying god-like qualities, while Aminadab is thought to be the representation of humans. The narrator states "…the indescribable earthiness that incrusted him, he seemed to represent man's physical nature; while Aylmer’s slender figure, and pale, intellectual face, were no less apt a type of the spiritual element" (Hawthorne 649). This comparison goes right back to the main issue in the story, the issue between impossible perfection and human imperfection. Aylmer thinks that himself is to be so powerful that he has powers beyond the realization of human ability to perform. One of many of Aylmer god-like statements is, “No king on his guarded throne could keep his life if I, in my private station, should deem that the welfare of millions justified me in depriving him of it." (Hawthorne

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