In this essay, I will discuss how science manifests evil in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark." Science is a major asset in the world today. The use and dependence of science is overwhelming. Many scientific experiments are ungodly. Hawthorne brings up many important issues in his story. I will concentrate on how Aylmer puts his love for science before his love for other people and himself.
             Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts, of a prominent Puritan family. Hawthorne's father died when he was very young and this influenced his somber and solitary attitude. Hawthorne read works by many different poets and romancers.
             As Hawthorne became a man, he married Sophia Peabody. Even though his marriage was a happy turning point in his life, Hawthorne still refused to share the optimistic philosophy of Transcendentalism. While making his home in the Old Manse, he continued his analysis of the Puritan mind. This was the breaking point for his writing Moses From and Old Manse, which included "The Birthmark."
             In Hawthorne's "The Birthmark," Aylmer actually puts his first love, science, aside to persuade a lover. He feels that it is time to find a wife. Years ago "...it was not unusual for the love of science to rival the love of woman in its depth, and absorbing energy." (Hawthorne 277)
             Once married, Aylmer brings to his new wife's attention the small birthmark upon her cheek. When he asks her if she has ever thought about removing it, she is very upset with her husband. He asks, "'... has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?'" (Hawthorne 278) She is surprised that her husband would even ask his wife such a question. Her response is "'...it has been so often called a charm that I was simple enough to imagine it might be so.'" (Hawthorne 278) Aylmer's response is
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