Final answer:
The theme of 'Rappaccini's Daughter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne delves into the dangers of scientific experimentation, the entwined nature of beauty and peril, love, and the consequences of manipulating both nature and human relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores several profound concepts, including the dangers of excessive scientific experimentation, the duality of beauty and danger, as well as the complexities of love and sacrifice. Through the character of Dr. Rappaccini, who cultivates a poisonous garden and knowingly endangers his own daughter, we see a critique of the obsessive pursuit of knowledge and control over nature. This narrative investigates human isolation, the consequences of playing God, and the manipulative aspects of love, as evidenced by the relationships between the characters. Hawthorne's story delves deep into these themes, offering more than just a simple storyline, but rather a rich exploration of philosophical and moral dilemmas.