Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark" set in 1843, tells the story of the obsession with human perfection. Georgiana, the beautiful woman in the story, has a single, hand-shaped birthmark on her cheek. However, her husband Aylmer, a scientist, is revolted at the sight of the birthmark. Eventually Georgiana comes to share his obsession, and the couple decides to try to remove the birthmark. Hawthorne uses symbols and allegory to suggest that no man is without flaw and that science cannot change Nature.
             Each character in the story represents an aspect of science, nature, or humanity. Aylmer symbolizes science and intellect. A man with great scientific knowledge, he could achieve marvelous things, which was "almost perfect enough" (Hawthorne 350), so that Georgiana believed that her husband "possessed sway over the spiritual world" (Hawthorne 350). While Aylmer represents science, Aminadab, Aylmer's assistant, represents Nature. His stature, physical nature, and vast strength convey a sense of earthiness. These two men could not be any different; however, they are forced to coexist just like science and Nature, with Georgiana between them. Georgiana, with her great beauty and one flaw, comes to signify humanity. And just like humanity, Georgiana is fascinated with science and its promises to subvert Nature.
             Furthermore, the laboratory and the boudoir where Georgiana resides, represent the earthly and heavenly realms. The boudoir has "an atmosphere of penetrating fragrance" (Hawthorne 347), and according to Georgiana, the place looks enchanting and seems to be "a pavilion among the clouds" (Hawthorne 347). However, the lab is the exact opposite of the beautiful boudoir. It is littered with soot and tainted with gaseous odors which create an oppressive atmosphere. With its bare walls and brick floor, the laboratory is an image of the earthly realm. A place of all Aylmer&apos...