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Style
Symbols
Elements of Romanticism, Anti-transcendentalism, etc.
Themes
Miscellaneous
100
Assess the differences in the tone Hawthorne uses to describe Aylmer’s laboratory with the apartments outside of the laboratory.
100
As most of you know, the birthmark is most commonly interpreted to symbolize mortality and the inevitable flaws of all humans. However, propose another possible of the birthmark and defend your answer.
100
"My poor Aylmer," she repeated, with a more than human tenderness, "you have aimed loftily; you have done nobly. Do not repent that with so high and pure a feeling, you have rejected the best the earth could offer. Aylmer, dearest Aylmer, I am dying!" What element of Romanticism does this line illustrate about the individual?
Hawthorne is trying to show the worth and freedom of the individual. In contrast with her previous self, one who would die for Aylmer's love and acceptance, Georgiana states her worth as she tells Aylmer that he rejected the best the earth could offer-her. In doing so, Georgiana has recognized her own worth and in dying, releases herself from Aylmer's grasps.
100
Evaluate the significance of the theme of human mortality and indicate what the author's attitude towards it is.
100
Evaluate the significance of the descriptions of the lab- it’s air, light, and even the inventions. What insight does this give into Aylmer’s character/goals?
200
Assess the purpose of Aminadab (the lab worker for Aylmer).
200
Analyze what Hawthorne is suggesting about nature through the symbolic representation of the birthmark and justify your answer.
200
Analyze the dark romantic element of an inevitability to sin, when Aylmer is described as being a very intelligent, accomplished scientists. What is Hawthorne trying to prove by making Aylmer this way?
Hawthorne is trying to show the importance of morality. He has created an unrealistic character who has made countless scientific discoveries. Although Alymer claims that creating an elixer for eternal life and creating humans from nothing are wrong, he claims to have created a potion able to kill someone within an alotted time. Alymer is undoubtedly intelligent, but that intelligence only stretches so far. Hawthorne showcases the dangers of a mind acting without morality.
200
Compare the themes of science and mortality. How are they related to each other?
200
Both Aylmer and Georgiana are described as intelligent people- Aylmer has made many incredible scientific discoveries, and Georgiana has enough intellect and curiosity to look through and understand her husband’s journals. Why, then, does Hawthorne make Aylmer a failed scientist (his experiments always fell short, however great the discovery) not wise enough to see the truth of nature, and Georgiana a wife whose obedience and worshipping of her husband leads to her death?