Back Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Birth-Mark”

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864)
From Nathaniel Hawthorne: Tales & Sketches

Detail from The Laboratory, 1895, oil on canvas by British artist John Maler Collier (1850–1934). Image courtesy of The Athenaeum.

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s fantastical story “The Birth-Mark” seems today to have been remarkably ahead of its time, with its portrait of what one recent critic calls a “modern-day plastic surgeon.” To quote The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, Hawthorne’s surgeon is one of “a long line of doctors, chemists, botanists, mesmerists, physicists and inventors, who parade their creative and destructive skills through his fiction.”

Yet when the story first appeared, it caused some bewilderment among reviewers, such as the critic in Blackwood’s Magazine who couldn’t imagine a perfectly normal and loving husband (and, ultimately, his wife) worrying over a beauty flaw: “If the novelist wished to describe this egregious connoisseurship in female charms, he should have put the folly into the head of some insane mortal.” What aggravated some nineteenth-century readers of Hawthorne’s stories is that his “mad scientists” weren’t, well, mad.

In such stories, Hawthorne may remind today’s readers more of Edgar Allan Poe—or even H. G. Wells—than of the author of The Scarlet Letter, and the story’s horror and science fiction elements surely explain the reasons for the renewed interest in it. We present it as our Story of the Week selection for readers to decide for themselves.

Read “The Birth-Mark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Library of America
CURATOR

A champion of America’s great writers and timeless works, Library of America guides readers in finding and exploring the exceptional writing that reflects the nation’s history and culture.

Learn More
PUBLISHER

From poetry, novels, and memoirs to journalism, crime writing, and science fiction, the more than 300 volumes published by Library of America are widely recognized as America’s literary canon.

Benefits of Using Safe Crypto Casinos. One of the most captivating reasons people drift towards Australian casinos online-casino-au com is the promise of anonymity. Safe platforms guarantee that your identity remains a secret. Quick Payouts and Minimal Fees. No one likes waiting, especially for winnings. Safe crypto casinos ensure that payouts are swift and the fees minimal, if not non-existent.

Browse our books Subscribe
NON-PROFIT

With contributions from donors, Library of America preserves and celebrates a vital part of our cultural heritage for generations to come.

Ozwin Casino offers an exciting array of top-notch slots that cater to every player's preferences. From classic fruit machines to cutting-edge video slots, Ozwin Casino Real Money collection has it all. With stunning graphics, immersive themes, and seamless gameplay, these slots deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. Some popular titles include Mega Moolah, Gonzo's Quest, and Starburst, known for their massive jackpots and thrilling bonus features. Ozwin Casino's slots are not just about luck; they offer hours of entertainment and the chance to win big, making it a must-visit for slot enthusiasts.

Support our mission