Introduction
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Birthmark,” published in 1843, serves as a fascinating exploration of the intersections between race, whiteness, and societal expectations. Although it may appear at first glance to be a tale about the dangers of obsession with perfection, a deeper reading reveals how these themes are intricately woven into the fabric of racial identity. In this essay, I will delve into how Hawthorne’s representation of whiteness is not just a backdrop but a central theme that reflects the cultural anxieties of his time. The story’s protagonist, Aylmer, embodies the struggle against nature and imperfection—struggles that resonate deeply with contemporary discussions about race and identity.
The Concept of Whiteness
Whiteness, often seen as an unexamined norm within literature and society, is critical in understanding “The Birthmark.” Aylmer’s relentless quest for perfection can be viewed through the lens of white supremacy—a desire to dominate nature and create an idealized version of humanity that aligns with Western ideals. This reflects broader societal beliefs in the superiority of whiteness during Hawthorne’s era. The birthmark on Georgiana’s cheek—a small mark that symbolizes her imperfection—isn’t merely an aesthetic flaw; it’s also representative of how society views those who deviate from its standards.
Georgiana: The Object of Obsession
Georgiana serves as Aylmer’s muse but also as his tragic victim. Her birthmark becomes more than just a physical trait; it morphs into a symbol representing racial and gendered perceptions in Hawthorne’s world. In many ways, her character embodies the idealized womanhood associated with purity and beauty prevalent in 19th-century American culture. However, this idealization comes at a cost; Aylmer’s obsession leads him to view Georgiana not as an individual but as an object to be perfected—an ideology deeply rooted in notions of white supremacy.
Aylmer’s Scientific Obsession
Aylmer represents the archetype of the Enlightenment thinker—the scientist who believes he can conquer nature through rationality and control. His experiments on Georgiana highlight how scientific endeavors have historically been intertwined with ideas about race and superiority. By attempting to eradicate her birthmark, he seeks not only to remove what he perceives as an imperfection but also to assert dominance over natural processes—echoing colonial attitudes toward indigenous peoples deemed ‘lesser’ due to their differences.
The Birthmark: A Symbolic Lens
The birthmark itself takes on various meanings throughout the narrative. It is described as “the symbol of human imperfection,” yet its very existence challenges Aylmer’s ideals about beauty and purity (Hawthorne). This conflict raises important questions: What does it mean to strive for an unattainable standard? And whose standards are we trying to achieve? When viewed through a racial lens, these questions gain further complexity as they reveal ingrained biases toward those who do not fit neatly within societal norms.
Nature vs. Science: The Colonial Undertones
A significant aspect of “The Birthmark” lies in its exploration of nature versus science—a debate laden with racial undertones during Hawthorne’s time. Aylmer’s belief that he can perfect Georgiana parallels historical attempts by colonizers to ‘civilize’ indigenous peoples by imposing European values upon them. This idea connects directly back to notions surrounding whiteness; those deemed ‘uncivilized’ were often marginalized or erased entirely from history due to their differences from Eurocentric ideals.
The Consequences of Perfectionism
Ultimately, “The Birthmark” presents us with dire consequences stemming from Aylmer’s pursuit for perfection—Georgiana dies due to his obsession with eliminating her birthmark completely. This tragic ending serves not only as commentary on individual relationships but also critiques broader social values regarding race and beauty standards that persist today. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our collective obsession with aesthetics influenced heavily by racial ideologies.
Conclusion: Reflections on Race and Whiteness
“The Birthmark” remains relevant today because it invites us into difficult conversations about race and identity that continue long after Hawthorne penned his narrative over 180 years ago. While we may initially perceive Georgiana’s struggles solely through lenses like gender or science versus nature debates, we must also consider how these dynamics relate back toward concepts entrenched within our understanding—or misunderstanding—of race and whiteness itself.
This critical analysis ultimately encourages readers not just to examine historical narratives like “The Birthmark” but engage actively with them—as partaking in understanding our own identities shaped by complex socio-political contexts informed by deep-rooted constructs surrounding race.
References
- Hawthorne, Nathaniel. “The Birthmark.” In *Mosses from an Old Manse*, 1843.
- Bhabha, Homi K., *Location Of Culture*, Routledge, 1994.
- Dyer, Richard., *White*, Routledge Classics, 2007.
- Tateyama Doi Tomoko., “Racial Identity in Nineteenth Century America.” Journal Of American Studies Vol 54 no 1 (2020): pp 101-117.
- Parker-Starbuck , Jennifer , ”Race And Gender In Nineteenth Century Literature.” New Literary History Vol 48 No .4 (2017): pp739-758
