The Perception of Perfection
The perception of perfection is something that is different
for everybody. One person may think that
someone is “perfect” whereas another may think that that person has numerous
flaws. There is a reason as to why no
two people look and behave exactly the same.
Even in the case of twins, there are slight differences between
them. “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel
Hawthorne is the perfect example of the obsession to be perfect. Hawthorne
creates an unusual story about a scientist that goes to the extent of murdering
his wife to get rid of the birthmark that is placed upon her cheek. The birthmark on the scientist’s wife’s,
Georgiana, face was “… often called a charm” (85). However the scientist, Aylmer, had a
different view upon it. He stated
“…Georgiana, you came so nearly perfect from the hand of Nature 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”(85). This statement allows us to see Aylmer’s obsession
to not only be perfect but to have the things around him to be perfect
too.
The narrator suggests that “…it was not unusual for the love
of science to rival the love of woman in its depth and absorbing energy”
(84). However, I disagree with this. As being a scientist myself, I would never try
to harm any individual just so that individual can have a better cosmetic
appearance. This is against my moral
values and principles. The life of an
individual is far more important than anyone’s desire to achieve perfection and
this is a flaw that I believe is embedded in Aylmer.
Aylmer’s obsession to be perfect distracts him from making
rational decisions. Aylmer knows that
most of his scientific experiments have gone wrong, but he is still willing to
put his wife’s life at risk. He believes
that “…the draught cannot fail” (97).
However Aylmer thinks that if, by chance, the experiment does fail, then
Georgiana is “…fit for heaven” (97). A
sane individual will agree that everyone deserves a life and that no one being
can be “fit for heaven”. Even Aminadab,
Aylmer’s assistant, agrees that taking a life of a loved one for a small flaw
is insane by stating “ If she were my wife, I’d never part with that birthmark”
(89).
Georgiana’s devotion to keeping her husband happy is
inspiring. In the process of the removal
of her birthmark, “…she prayed that, for a single moment, she might satisfy his
highest and deepest conception” (96).
Even though Georgiana found Aylmer’s journals of failed experiments, she
still was willing to give up her life just for the satisfaction of her husband’s
need for perfection. Georgiana’s
sacrifice of life for the one that she loves is a quality that Aylmer
lacks. In my opinion, this is a quality
that is needed to be perfect.
Aylmer’s perception of perfection is only in appearance and
he handles “…physical details as if there were nothing beyond them; yet spiritualizes
them all, and redeems himself from materialism by his strong and eager
aspiration towards the infinite” (94).
However what is the point of perfection if it is not executed
morally. If everyone in the world had
the same mentality as Aylmer, then our society would become corrupt and
innocent lives would be taken away for irrational reasons. Nowhere in the short story does it say that
Aylmer has the right to decide what is perfect and what is not. In my view, Aylmer was the source of
imperfection.
I agree with your statement that the perception of perfection is something that is different for everybody. This is what is so beautiful about every single person having his or her difference in opinion and what encourages me to believe that there is “somebody for everybody.” I see why you would think Georgiana’s devotion to her husband is inspiring, however I see it as silly and almost dull considering she looses her life because of him. I keep trying to remind myself that this was written in a different time when people had different priorities, but I still cannot wrap my finger about why she wanted to “satisfy his highest and deepest conception” (96). I think the fact that she did find his journals of all his failed experiments makes her even more childish in letting him decide her fate. I agree with you in when you said that Georgiana’s sacrifice is indeed a good quality to have, but in the case of sacrificing her life to please Aylmer was not a smart decision. If I had a husband who wanted me to get rid of something he saw as a small flaw, I would definitely question why I married him in the first place. Georgiana is part of the problem in letting Aylmer think there is such thing as being perfect, “I know not what may be the cost to both of us to rid me of this fatal birthmark” (87). Why does she automatically assume the outcome of removing the birthmark is fatal? I think Georgiana should have stood up for herself and not let Aylmer go through with his experiment.
ReplyDeleteI like how you open with the different perceptions of perfection. I completely agree that what one person may think is perfect, another may think has flaws. I LOVE how you tie in the rationality and morality of the situation. Because how could one be thinking rationally if they think they can control, let alone perfect, someone ELSE'S imperfections? It truly is these irrational decisions that make Aylmer seem insane. I don't think under any circumstances, however, I would have the courage and love and poise that Gerogiana possessed throughout the story. If the man I loved couldn't bare to be around me because of a physical "imperfection" then he should kicks rocks! Yes, Georgiana is somewhat enviable because of her ability to love someone so much and want to make him happy, but I also see it as a weakness. She should OWN her imperfections and see that Aylmer and his immoral obsessions are not worth risking her life. Like you pointed out, Aminadab said, “ If she were my wife, I’d never part with that birthmark” (89). I wish that Georgiana could have heard that, and recognized the irrationality of the entire situation.
ReplyDeleteI personally enjoy how you tied in your own experience of being a scientist. It shows that you can somewhat relate to the situation, yet have your own belief and opinion on the subject matter. When I first read "The Birthmark", I was under the impression that Aylmer is occupied in perfection because he is a scientist and perfection is often times a goal in the laboratory. You have proved to me otherwise by your comment, "As being a scientist myself, I would never try to harm any individual just so that individual can have a better cosmetic appearance. This is against my moral values and principles. The life of an individual is far more important than anyone’s desire to achieve perfection and this is a flaw that I believe is embedded in Aylmer." I certainly agree with you that Aylmer is flawed, himself, for not recognizing the true and honest beauty of his wife. His obsession merely takes over and it causes him to think irrationally. I also like how you mention Aminadab’s short, but very important role. He says, “ If she were my wife, I’d never part with that birthmark” (89). This is the sense of reason that I wish both Aylmer and Georgiana were able to see.
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