Characterization/Symbolism
The characterization in this short story is good at best and is deeply flawed. The flaw being that the woman is objectified. She has become the means for which her husband can fulfill his desire to play god. The man stereotypically taking on the god complex, yet another flaw. I did say the characterization was good. The way he depicts each character surrounds them in their own aura, enabling the reader to anticipate the character’s reactions to the situations given in the story. The fact that Aylmer played a doctor in the story assigns the trait of a “perfection-pursuer” to him, distinguishing him from his assistant and any other man, who would give their life to kiss the birthmark he so much despised. Even more so, his desire for perfection derives from being a failure of a doctor who has not completed a full experiment. As a remedy he sought to perfect his wife, his “trophy” so to speak.
On a side note, the hand upon Georgina’s cheek acts as the hand that has pulled the strings of her marionette life. Every decision she has made has been influenced by that hand.
