What Is Aylmer's Obsession In The Birthmark

We all have obsessions whether it is a hobby or sometimes a person. But sometimes our obsession over powers us, and causes us to act unusual. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, “The Birthmark,” Hawthorne introduces Aylmer, a man of science, who has an obsession over removing a birthmark on his wife, Georgiana’s, face. Aylmer is so concerned with removing the birthmark on Georgiana’s face that he becomes too caught up in his science and neglects the love for his wife. Aylmer doesn’t realize it but not only is the birthmark an imperfection, the birthmark is also keeping Georgiana alive. The author is implying that Aylmer being obsessed with science is acceptable to a certain point, but when his obsession with science becomes more important than his love for his wife, obsession becomes a disorder that will eventually lead to something he will forever regret.

Alymer cares about Georgiana at the beginning of the story, but as the reader continues they can start to see resentment of Georgiana’s birthmark and makes Aylmer distant and care less for Georgiana as his wife. From a normal marriage to a scientist based relationship becomes more apparent when Aylmer notices Georgiana’s birthmark every day. Georgiana is shocked by how Aylmer is reacting to her birthmark. His obsession with getting rid of the birthmark is so deep, that Aylmer completely ignores the possible outcomes and the jeopardy of his wife’s life. At this point the reader can see that his obsession with science has become so deep that he cares less about what even his wife, has to say. Aylmer’s obsession with the birthmark has already grown stronger than the love for