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Throughout history, humanity has grappled with perfectionism, striving to attain it in all facets of life, from the physical to the spiritual, but is such a task even possible? Aylmer and Georgiana’s story in “The Birth-Mark” demonstrates that while perfectionism may be an admirable goal, it is not always achievable. In this short story, Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the concept of arete, or excellence of any kind, through the mad scientist Aylmer’s attempt to attain perfection. He believes that this mark symbolizes imperfection and is determined to erase it. Hawthorne utilizes ornate syntax and philosophical allusions to portray Aylmer’s obsession and symbolic nature. Aylmer states, “Ah, upon another face … but never on yours! No, … you came so nearly perfect from the hand of Nature, that this… defect … shocks me, as being the visible mark of earthly imperfection” (Hawthorne 367). Through these lines, Hawthorne conveys that perfection is unattainable and the futility of Aylmer’s pursuit. He cannot accept the reality of imperfection and attempts to erase it, which is fruitless. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of accepting one’s imperfections and embracing them. Only through the flaws of human existence can one genuinely appreciate life.
Through Hawthorne’s ornate syntax and philosophical allusions, the story focuses on the idea of arete in pursuing perfectionism. Aylmer believes that his scientific prowess can help him attain immortality. He believes the mark is a barrier to his wife’s potential and a limitation to his scientific pursuits, embodying the idea of phenomenalism. This behavior is noticed in Aylmer’s description of the mark “being the visible mark of earthly imperfection” (Hawthorne 367). Aylmer conveys that Georgiana’s nearly perfect face is marred by the birthmark, reminding her of her mortality and his failure to reach true perfection. The language and syntax used in Hawthorne’s work act as a way to shape the existentialist reality that impacts Aylmer’s and Georgiana’s reality through the illusion of “perfection,” leading to fatalism. For example, it is written: “His love for his young wife might prove the stronger… but it could only be by intertwining itself with his love of science” (Hawthorne 366). Hawthorne uses language to indicate that Aylmer’s pursuit of perfection is ultimately fatalistic. Thus, the quest for perfection is ultimately pointless, and it is critical to accept one’s flaws, being an interpretation that emphasizes the significance of grasping the limits of human knowledge and embracing imperfection.
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