Science as Temptation in "The Birthmark"
             Within "The Birthmark," Hawthorne creates a tale of profound temptation. While Aylmer plays dual roles with respect to lure; Georgiana and science assume the tempted and the tempter respectively. Science entices Aylmer, and Aylmer entices Georgiana. There is certainty that temptation sustains many different roles in "The Birthmark"; moreover it can be argued that science occupies the most authoritative position. Aylmer gives the impression that nothing is too intricate for his understanding; his mind is fixed with the notion that he is capable of mending all things into perfection through science. Aylmer is described as having "...faith in man's ultimate control over Nature" (Hawthorne 467); thus illustrating his over confidence in scientific method. As the idea of removing the birthmark becomes more of a scientific reality to Aylmer, his obsession with Georgiana's 'imperfection' becomes a means of enticing her. Initially Georgiana does not feel as if her birthmark is an imperfection, but to Aylmer it is. As a scientist, Aylmer suffers a feeling of scientific obligation in making his wife flawless. This 'scientific obligation' is correlated with Aylmer's attempt in playing God.
             Aylmer is a man who looks at nature and sees no more than imperfections. This attitude produces a sort of boldness in Aylmer's notion of science. He feels as if his scientific method is almighty as is illustrated when Aylmer compares himself to Pygmalion (a figure of Greek Legend). Aylmer believes that he will experience more success in removing Georgiana's birthmark than Pygmalion had accomplished when Aphrodite brought to life a statue that Pygmalion had made and feel in love with (Hawthorne 469). Aylmer's accomplishments through science have provided him with great stature within the world of science. Accordingly these ach...