The Birthmark

"The Birthmark" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a story about a scientist named Aylmer who is obsessed with perfecting his wife Georgiana, especially her small mole or birthmark on her cheek. He views it as a flaw that marred her beauty and perfection. Despite her initial comfort with it, Aylmer becomes fixated on removing it, believing it symbolizes human imperfection. His obsession ultimately leads to her tragic death, illustrating themes about the dangers of striving for impossible perfection and the flaws inherent in humanity.