Final answer:
Georgiana had a strong negative emotional reaction to the mention of her birthmark, which is indicative of her distress and not any teasing from Aylmer or personal fondness for the birthmark.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Birthmark, the correct answer to the student's question is B) Georgiana had a strong reaction to the mention of the birthmark. This is evident from the text that describes Georgiana's reaction as one of shrinking away or recoiling at the mention of her birthmark, much like someone would react to the touch of a red-hot iron. There is no indication that Aylmer mentions the birthmark to tease Georgiana (Option C) or that Georgiana liked having the birthmark (Option D).
Indeed, the birthmark is a source of emotional distress for Georgiana. It was once considered a charm, but over time, particularly after marrying Aylmer, Georgiana viewed the birthmark as a flaw. Aylmer's obsession with her birthmark and the quest to make her 'perfect' by removing it only heightens her insecurities. This deep psychological impact on Georgiana illustrates the central theme of the imperfection and the human condition as portrayed in Hawthorne's story.