What imbalance is inherent in the character of Aylmer? What do you think the birthmark represents? What circumstances in the story led you to your interpretation? What is ironic about Aylmer’s dislike of the birthmark? What incidents prepare the reader for the conclusion? Is there a religious element to the story? Do the characters seem to represent certain types of people (archetypes)?

Discussion 5

“The Birthmark”
Background: This was a period of scientific discoveries and belief in a doctrine of perfectibility.

Note the Classicist and Romantic values.

1. What imbalance is inherent in the character of Aylmer?
2. What do you think the birthmark represents? What circumstances in the story led you to your interpretation?
3. What is ironic about Aylmer’s dislike of the birthmark?
4. What incidents prepare the reader for the conclusion?
5. Is there a religious element to the story?
6. Do the characters seem to represent certain types of people (archetypes)?
7. What seems to be the point of the contrasting settings?
8. What is the theme? What is the author saying about life?