The Birthmark

These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the paired texts.

Pre-reading Prompt

1. Although beauty standards have varied across historical periods and cultural groups, many (perhaps most) societies value some physical characteristics over others, and several have engaged (or continue to engage in) different kinds of body modification to achieve a particular ideal. Where do you think these ideas about beauty come from? Is it simply “human nature” to want to appear attractive? When (if ever) does the pursuit of a particular look become harmful or problematic?

Post-reading Analysis



1. What does Aylmer mean when he calls Georgiana’s birthmark “the visible mark of earthly imperfection” (Paragraph 5)? Do Georgiana’s reasons for wanting it removed seem to be the same as her husband’s? How does Georgiana’s compliance with Aylmer’s wishes compare to the actions of the unnamed woman in “Barbie Doll”?