Aylmer

Overview

Aylmer is an accomplished natural philosopher who briefly leaves his laboratory to marry Georgiana. His devotion to science remains inseparable from his love. Soon after their marriage, he fixes upon the small, hand-shaped birthmark on her left cheek as an intolerable sign of human imperfection. Her beauty makes the mark more disturbing to him, rather than compensating for it. She comes to dread his gaze. A dream in which he tries to cut the mark out of her heart reveals how far his obsession might carry him.

He brings Georgiana into apartments adjoining his laboratory, disguising their former gloom with curtains, fragrance and coloured light. His assistant Aminadab supplies practical mechanical skill. Aylmer entertains his wife with optical illusions, an accelerated flower that fails when touched, and an unsuccessful photographic process. He speaks of elixirs, poisons and transformative powers with extravagant confidence. His own experimental journal, however, records achievements that fall short of his ideals. Georgiana’s admiration survives her recognition that his judgment is less dependable than she had believed.

When she enters the working laboratory, she discovers the anxiety he has concealed behind reassurance. He angrily seizes her arm before admitting that earlier agents have failed and that the remaining treatment is dangerous. He nevertheless gives her a clear draught, demonstrating it first on a blotched geranium. As she sleeps, he records her symptoms and rejoices as the mark fades. His supposed triumph coincides with her death. The closing narration faults his inability to accept mortal happiness; his claims of mastery are not established scientific facts.

First appearances & development

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s original English literary narrative; cached collection transcription, precise edition unestablished.

Canon & continuity

Complete ninety-paragraph tale and retained original title, author and contents framing read.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Mosses from an Old Manse — The Birthmark

   Nathaniel Hawthorne

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary authored literary narrativeNathaniel Hawthorne — The Birthmark, complete authored taleResearch access: 2026-10-23

Image credits

AI-generated original interpretation.