Question

Based on what you’ve read in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “The Birthmark,” what is society’s view of women in the mid-1800s? Justify your response with at least two specific examples (quotes) from the story and explain them.

Answer 1

Answer: Women were seen as only meant for marriage, and the ideal wife considers her husband to be her master.

Step-by-step explanation:

When describing a cosmetic that could be used to get rid of Georgiana´s birthmark, Aylmer concludes that "Your case demands a remedy that shall go deeper,” taking for himself the power to make such a decision, and implying that there´s something wrong with her wife beyond her physical appearance.

Georgiana also subscribes to the idea of her being submissive to her husband, even praying that "for a single moment, she might satisfy his highest and deepest conception," even knowing he will never be content.