How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Yes, master,'' answered Aminadab, looking intently at the lifeless form of Georgiana; and then he muttered to himself, "If she were my wife, I'd never part with that birthmark.'' (28)
Hawthorne has just established that Aminadab is a coarse man who doesn't understand the science behind Aylmer's various experiments. Yet, clearly, he grasps concepts that are beyond the scientist's reach. Perhaps there are truths open to the religious among us that the purely scientific among us miss.
Quote #8
He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base. Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; "but,'' he added, "a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.'' Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitæ. He more than intimated that it was at his option to concoct a liquid that should prolong life for years, perhaps interminably; but that it would produce a discord in Nature which all the world, and chiefly the quaffer of the immortal nostrum, would find cause to curse. (39)
How is it possible that Aylmer is so wise when it comes to these other scientific endeavors, yet totally misses that his own attempts with Georgiana are no different?
Quote #9
He conducted her back and took leave of her with a solemn tenderness which spoke far more than his words how much was now at stake. After his departure Georgiana became rapt in musings. She considered the character of Aylmer, and did it completer justice than at any previous moment. Her heart exulted, while it trembled, at his honorable love — so pure and lofty that it would accept nothing less than perfection nor miserably make itself contented with an earthlier nature than he had dreamed of. (72)
Georgiana is as obsessed with perfecting Aylmer's love for her as Aylmer is with perfecting Georgiana. In this way, she is guilty of the same mistakes as her husband.