Obsession in Nathaniel Hawthornes The Birthmark :: Birthmark Essays

Scientific research concerning active organisims is usually beneficial. Most medical practices are beneficial they are make to cure stack from illness and to save peoples lives. The only time when acquirement borders on going too far is when it is used to alter people or animals -- for instance changing the genes of a fly to give it look on its legs. Making mutants like that violates the sanctity of life, and although it is condonable for research with flies, to do something standardized to humans would be beyond comprehension. It is clear that Hawthorne does not look favourably upon manipulating humans with scientific discipline. He is especially wary about using science to undertake to make things worse Do not repent that with so high and pure a feeling, you have rejected the best the humanity could offer. ... I am dying says Chillingworth wife after she is cured of her nevus, a large brown mole on the upper left align of her right arm. Chillingw orth feels that this experiment is justified because his wife is nowhere near perfect, withstanding the birthmark. ...upon another(prenominal) arm perhaps it might, but ... you came so hideous from the hand of character that this slightest possible defect, which we hesitate whether to term a defect or a beauty, shocks me, as being the visible mark of earthly imperfection. If she hadnt been so cockeyed to detestment, he would not have minded the birthmark, but because she is otherwise beastly, the birthmark stands out. Significant is the use of the phrase earthly imperfection, which hints at Hawthornes theme. By removing Georgianas earthly imperfection, Chillingworth is playing God. It is hard to say whether it was justified in my opinion, even if the experiment had succeeded. If I take the story literally, and put myself in one of their positions, it might be. But I dont think that this is what Hawthorne wants us to be concerned with he wants to show us why it i s wrong to try to change nature with science. Hawthornes theme of tampering with nature can intimately be applied to society.