preview

Analysis Of ' Rappaccini 's Daughter '

Decent Essays

Lauren Thomas
Professor Saunders
ENGL 231
October 23rd, 2014
The Theme of Love in “Rappaccini’s Daughter” Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Rappaccini’s Daughter” holds the theme of love at its forefront. The story delineates the struggles, both internal and external, that Giovanni Guasconti faces when courting a young woman named Beatrice Rappaccini. Beatrice’s love of a plant and her father’s love of science are conflicts that also highlight the theme of love. Along with these conflicts, Hawthorne uses the theme of love to pose the question of whether or not love is worth fighting for as well as critiquing a tragic flaw in romantic relationships. These elements combine together to make a compelling argument that love is simply not worth the struggle it imposes. The first conflict that arises in the short story is the internal conflict of Giovanni. Giovanni moves from his home in order to study at the University of Padua and sees Beatrice Rappaccini underneath the window of his new home. The conflict Giovanni faces stems from his affection and blooming love for Beatrice. Giovanni sees Beatrice’s beauty as “brilliant, so vivid in its character, that she glowed amid the sunlight” (pg. 7). However, her beauty is rivaled by her horror. Whenever a creature is near her breath, it dies. Giovanni begins questioning whether or not loving Beatrice is a wise decision. Her horror keeps him at bay while her beauty and her personality draw him in closer. The second conflict that

Get Access