A Critical Analysis and Interpretation of Hawthornes Rapaccinis Daughter (1844) and The Birthmark (1843), and Poes The Fall of the House of Usher (1839) and The Tell Tale Heart (1843)
Seldom do writers of clichd subject matters as death, loneliness, love and beauty stand out today. Nowadays, it appears like a writer would have to really make a difference in terms of literary style and subject matter before making a considerable impact. However, this does not appear to be the case when it comes to Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe. These two authors are incontestably two of the greatest from their generation. No matter how clichd or ordinary their works may seem, it appears like they still hold powerful influences to their readers regardless of how long they have been in the industry. Some of the most common things that are observed to appear consistent from the works of these authors are the themes leaning on darkness, sadness, desperation, pain, fear and death. However, one peculiar and interesting theme which also appears consistent in most of their works is the theme of obsession. In this discussion, the usage of the theme of obsession shall be critically analyzed and interpreted. Furthermore, this discussion shall also look into the smaller literary elements used that might have contributed to the overall significance of the theme of obsession the authors portrayal of human condition.
Hawthornes Rapaccinis Daughter and The Birthmark
Rapaccinis Daughter is a depiction of a typical form of human obsession, which is that on attractiveness and physical beauty. Giovanni, the main protagonist in this story, develops such kind of obsession which will consistently command the story up to the end. Giovanni was described in the story as a man who has been used to all pleasant and attractive sights. He is also a man who is particularly communicative of his appreciation on things he perceives with beauty. He sets foot on Dr. Rapaccinis garden and here he witnesses a different kind of attraction which swept his heart. He first becomes attracted to the wonder of Rapaccinis garden, which he first thought could possibly be kept by magical creatures due to their marvel. Though used to different sorts of beauty, Giovanni still keeps a scrutinizing eye. But no matter how critical his eyes were, he suddenly falls and grows obsessed with Rapaccinis daughter, Beatrice, at first sight. Upon seeing Beatrice, Giovanni was immediately made to believe that she is the most wonderful creature he has ever come across. Giovanni suddenly speaks of sweet words of adoration and says Beatrice is but another flower, the human sister of those vegetable ones, as beautiful as they-- more beautiful than the richest of them-- but still to be touched only with the glove, nor to be approached without a mask (Hawthorne, 2004, p. 4). Through this, Giovannis obsession becomes clearly apparent. In this part, the author evidently presents his perspective which seemed to say that beauty is always a trap which has the ability to successfully capture every mans obsession and attraction.
On the other hand, Hawthorne presents a similar yet more contemporary character in The Birthmark through Aylmers character. In this story, the obsession centers on a beautiful ladys birthmark on her cheek. Georgina, Aylmers wife, is considered by many as a very fair lady. Aylmer longs to consider his wife as the most perfect creature, however, the birthmark seems to make to it difficult for him to say so. Though Aylmer expresses his great love to his wife, his wanting to remove such an imperfection is just very evident from these lines
Had she been less beautiful, -- if Envys self could have found aught else to sneer at, -- he might have felt his affection heightened by the prettiness of this mimic hand, now vaguely portrayed, now lost, now stealing forth again and glimmering to and fro with every pulse of emotion that throbbed within her heart but seeing her otherwise so perfect, he found this one defect grow more and more intolerable with every moment of their united lives. It was the fatal flaw of humanity which Nature, in one shape or another, stamps ineffaceably on all her productions, either to imply that they are temporary and finite, or that their perfection must be wrought by toil and pain. (Hawthorne, 1865, p. 46)
From this, it appears evident that just like Giovanni in Rapaccinis Daughter, Aylmers obsession also centers on physical beauty and attractiveness. However, considering that Aylmer is depicted as a man of science, it can also be assumed that this kind of obsession may root from his familiarity to perfection. It is quite explicable that Aylmer develops such kind of obsession towards beauty since he has been used to everything that is perfectly made through systematic tools of science. However, this story also seems to entail that not all flaws and blemishes can indeed be remedied.
Both Rapaccinis Daughter and The Birthmark presents interesting characters who develops obsession on physical beauty. Furthermore, it can also be observed that these works of Hawthorne seem to center on the ideal of love and attraction. In terms of strength of literary elements such as exposition and climax, both stories did not appear to be powerful enough. Nonetheless, both tales were still able present an undeniable truth about human nature, that being human comes with the inescapable tendency to develop strong liking and obsession towards physical attractiveness and beauty.
Poes The Fall of the House of Usher and The Tell Tale Heart
The Fall of the House of Usher is one of Edgar Allan Poes most reviewed and analyzed works which falls under the gothic and horror genres. This story obviously depicts one of the most eerie and gothic settings in all of Poes works. Instead of focusing solely on the characters, this story considers the setting which also serves a significant role in building up the theme of the supernaturality and horror. In looking at the literary elements, it can be observed that this story displays an interesting kind of exposition which usually comes from the anonymous narrator. However, the main protagonist, Roderick Usher also appears to reveal some of the most intriguing twists in the plot. One interesting feature in this story is the portrayal of a typical haunted house. In this setting, Poe takes the readers into a memorable climactic scenario where the ghost of Rodericks sister finally revealed itself in front of him and the anonymous narrator. At this part of the story, Roderick confesses to the narrator everything he has been hearing and feeling inside the house. At this point, Rodericks obsession to ghosts and supernatural creatures becomes very much obvious.
On the other hand, The Tell Tale Heart also presents a similar kind of obsession which can be easily seen from the character of the anonymous character, who keeps on claiming his sanity despite his incontestable psychological instability. In this story, the protagonist reveals his intent to kill an old neighbor due to some dim-witted causes such as the old mans eyes and heartbeat. But aside from being shallow reasons for murder, these symbols also appear to be the protagonists object of obsession as he keeps on mentioning it all throughout the story.
It is impossible to say how first the idea entered my brain but once conceived, it haunted me day and night. Object there was none. Passion there was none. I loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult. For his gold I had no desire. I think it was his eye yes, it was this He had the eye of a vulture --a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold and so by degrees --very gradually --I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever. (Poe, 1993, p. 221)
From this excerpt, the protagonists obsession and apprehension on the old mans blue eyes become evident. His struggle to get rid of such kind of apprehension and disturbance can be compared to that of an individual who is trying to get rid of an itch. Such kind of obsession is all about getting rid of something which appears to be consistently bothersome and vexing. Aside from a very stirring depiction of the protagonist, some of the most remarkable features in this story are the stirring conflict, heightened action as well as the believable exposition. Through clear and perceivable depictions of the murderers emotions and thoughts, Poe is able to pull the reader into a strange and interesting kind of obsession which can also be very frightening at some points. Every scene heightens the murderers wanting to get rid of the mans pale blue eyes and heartbeat which was further enhanced by a captivating narration True --nervous --very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am but why will you say that I am mad The disease had sharpened my senses --not destroyed --not dulled them. (Poe, 1993, p. 221).
As what can be observed, similar to the previously discussed story, Tell Tale Heart presents the reality that human nature can also be strange enough to let an individual be obsessed on grim thoughts such as death, loneliness, and darkness. Through these two stories, Poe was able to show that indeed, human obsession can also be very perilous.
The portrayal of the theme of obsession in the works of the two authors presents a very interesting reality about human condition obsession can indeed be one of the most dangerous and deceiving state any person can ever be in. Both authors seem to suggest that obsessions can be potent sources and roots of human anxiety. They also appear to suggest that some of humans most implicative actions are pushed by obsessions. Hence, this goes to show that obsession is indeed an inescapable reality when it comes to human condition. And through the depiction of this theme in the works of Hawthorne and Poe, it becomes clearer that passion and obsession can be human beings most influential and commanding driving forces.
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