The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne is the story of scientist Aylmer, who is obsessed with removing a birthmark from his wife’s face. Aylmer believes the birthmark is a sign of imperfection and is repulsed by it. He convinces Georgiana to let him try to remove the birthmark with a potion. Georgiana agrees to take the potion, and Aylmer is successful in removing the birthmark. However, in the process, Georgiana dies. Aylmer is left alone with his obsession and his guilt.