In reading the title “The Birth-Mark,” the depth of the story may not be immediately recognized. However, this change as the narrator introduces Aylmer and Georgiana and how the birthmark on her cheek became the cause of their separation through death. The birthmark is a symbol of mortality and it is on this note that the story is developed. Aylmer could not bear the fact that his beautiful wife would have a “visible mark of human imperfection” (par. 5) as this meant that Georgiana was subject to sin, sorrow, decay, and eventual death.

The title alludes to a paradox of innocence and guilt since the mark appears “crimson” on the inside, yet “pale” or white on the outside. The birthmark ends up affecting Georgiana so much that she now says “danger is nothing to me; for life, while this hateful mark makes me the object of your horror and disgust-life is a burden which I would fling down with joy” (par. 15). Georgiana sees that fading birthmark will finally stop “scaring away all their happiness” (par. 85). Ironically, Aylmer’s preoccupation in ridding Georgiana of her “imperfection” ends up killing her.  This, in turn, leads to conflict between scientific pursuit and humanity. The attempt to remove the birthmark results in demise and thus the unpardonable sin, What became a symbol of horror for Aylmer, turned into a symbol of freedom for Georgiana as she recognizes that “you have rejected the best the earth could offer” (par. 85).

Characterization in “A Pair of Tickets”

“A Pair of Tickets” by Amy Tan is a story of a woman in an attempt to trace her roots. Jing-mei is the central character in the story, and the author uses her perfectly to drive the theme and motif of the story. It is through her that we get more information on herself and the late mother, Suyuan.  It is also through her that the author can compare the American and the Chinese culture. The young lady travels to China where she discovers the Chinese culture that she had missed for some time. It is also through this character that we get introduced to the father.  Jing-mei is joined by her father on the journey to search for new identity. It is also worth noting that a family reunion with the twin sisters is also made possible through this character.

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