Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark” explores a variety of themes. The tone of this short story is dark yet subtle, and the writer’s choice of language is intelligent in emphasizing this subtlety. The two main characters, a newly married couple, are introduced, and immediately Hawthorne establishes a sense of their relationship. In his story, “The Birthmark,” Hawthorne explores a troubling narrative and a theme which is largely rooted in feminism.
There have been many stories exploring themes involving men who wish to leave their mark on women, either physically, mentally, or sexually. However, “The Birthmark,” is concerned with a man who wants to remove a part ...
