Dr. Aylmer

Definition

Dr. Aylmer is a central character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story 'The Birthmark.' He is a brilliant scientist and a man of intellect who becomes obsessed with the idea of perfection, particularly the small birthmark on his wife's face. This obsession drives the narrative and highlights themes of human imperfection, the limits of science, and the dangers of playing God.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dr. Aylmer's character embodies the tension between science and nature, demonstrating Hawthorne's skepticism about the potential consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
2. His obsession with Georgiana's birthmark leads him to conduct dangerous experiments, ultimately resulting in tragic consequences.
3. Aylmer represents the archetype of the flawed genius, showcasing how intellectual pursuit can become destructive when it disregards human emotions and connections.
4. The story critiques the pursuit of perfection by illustrating how Aylmer's desires ultimately harm not only Georgiana but also their relationship.
5. Hawthorne uses Aylmer's fate to reflect broader concerns about the moral implications of scientific advancement during the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How does Dr. Aylmer's obsession with perfection impact his relationship with Georgiana?
  • Dr. Aylmer's obsession with perfection significantly strains his relationship with Georgiana. His fixation on her birthmark leads him to prioritize his scientific ambitions over her well-being and emotional needs. This ultimately creates a rift between them, as Georgiana feels that her worth is solely tied to her physical appearance and that she must conform to Aylmer's idealized vision of beauty.
• Discuss the symbolic significance of the birthmark in relation to Dr. Aylmer's character development.
  • The birthmark symbolizes both human imperfection and the natural flaws that define humanity, which Aylmer seeks to eliminate through his scientific endeavors. As Aylmer attempts to remove this mark, it reveals his deeper struggle with accepting the limitations of human existence. His failure to accept Georgiana as she is ultimately illustrates his inability to reconcile his ambition with the fundamental truths of life, leading to his tragic downfall.
• Evaluate how Dr. Aylmer's character reflects Nathaniel Hawthorne's views on science and morality.
  • Dr. Aylmer serves as a cautionary figure that reflects Hawthorne's critical view of science's moral implications. By pursuing absolute perfection through unnatural means, Aylmer exemplifies how the quest for scientific advancement can lead to ethical dilemmas and personal tragedy. Hawthorne suggests that while science can enhance understanding, it must be approached with caution and respect for human limitations; otherwise, it risks destroying what it seeks to improve.

Related terms

Georgiana: Georgiana is Dr. Aylmer's wife, whose beauty is marred by a small birthmark that symbolizes human imperfection and becomes the focal point of Aylmer's obsessive quest for perfection.

Symbolism:

Symbolism in 'The Birthmark' is crucial as the birthmark itself represents both human flaws and the natural state of humanity that Aylmer attempts to erase through science.

Romanticism:

Romanticism is a literary movement that emphasizes emotion, nature, and individualism, often in contrast to Enlightenment ideals; it influences Hawthorne's work, especially in how characters like Aylmer grapple with scientific rationality versus human experience.