Question

What does the "Birthmark" symbolize and how does it relate to the theme of the story?

Answer 1

The "Birthmark" symbolize human frailty and mortality. It depicts human folly to perfect nature's way by his wisdom and effort. Georgina's "Birthmark" on her cheek that has a shape of a hand is most disliked by her husband Aylmer. Georgina is a beautiful lady both physically and inwardly, but her husband is blind to her beauty, and he wants her to be perfect in physical beauty, hence, wants to get rid of that birthmark on her cheek.

Aylmer is a scientist who believes in his ability. Georgina submits herself to the will of her husband, though she has knowledge of her husband's failures in his experiments. Aylmer is successful in removing the birthmark but he pays the prize with the life of his wife. Thus, this story depicts man's futile attempts to overpower nature, his rebel to accept others as they are and the mortality.