The Birthmark

Aylmer clearly demonstrates a failure as a husband through his deep love of science over his wife. Aylmer says to Georgiana, “I feel myself fully competent to render this dear cheek as faultless as its fellow; and then, most beloved, what will be my triumph, when I shall have corrected what Nature left imperfect, in her fairest work” (Hawthorne 31). Judith Fetterley agrees as she says, “While Aylmer does not really possess sway over the spiritual world, he certainly controls Georgiana and he does so in great part because of his mastery of the art of illusion” (25). The removal of a tiny birthmark on the left side of Georgiana’s face, becomes Aylmer’s obsession and latest experiment. Aylmer accurately portrays a failed humanitarian because he represents an egotistical man unconcerned with improving the welfare and happiness of Georgiana, but that of himself. Robert Micklus agrees saying, “In short, Aylmer’s labors to extricate Georgiana’s birthmark culminate his lifelong struggle to defeat “the blight “ of his own earthiness” (150). He had a God-given ability for arts and sciences, but chose to use it in a devious manner. Rather, Youra believes that Aylmer’s love for Georgiana became based on his need for the perfection of her. Throughout the story, Aylmer egotistically sways Georgiana into believing that his experiment of the removal of her birthmark will not fail. His high ego drives him to selfishly satisfy his wants and needs through the experimentation of his wife. I disagree with this latter half of this quote by Youra. Aylmer fails to recognize love as the stronger of the two and failed as a husband to Georgiana. He had an ingenious mind, but let his ego get the better half of it.