Hawthorne's "The Birthmark" is best understood as an allegory because it uses characters and events to represent deeper moral or philosophical ideas. The story explores themes such as the pursuit of perfection, the limitations of science and human ambition, and the nature of beauty, all of which serve as a commentary on humanity's struggle with imperfection and the consequences of attempting to control or alter nature. The characters, particularly Aylmer and Georgiana, symbolize broader concepts related to obsession and the dangers of idealism, making the tale rich in allegorical meaning.
How is Hawthorne's "The Birthmark" an allegory?
Question 9 options:
It tells a story about a specific historical event.
It uses characters and events to represent deeper moral or philosophical ideas.
It focuses on the everyday life of ordinary people.
It describes realistic events in great detail.
1 answer