Focus on the themes of nature and science. A rough thesis statement I used for my
paper proposal was: “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a warning about the dangers of using science
and knowledge to subvert nature’s intentions. Georgina’s birthmark is perfect and meaningful (nature’s
intention). Alymer subverts nature’s intentions by ridding Georgina of the birthmark by way of science and
forbidden knowledge.