Based on what you’ve read in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, “The Birthmark,” what is society’s view of women in the mid-1800s? Justify your response with at least two specific examples (quotes) from the story and explain them.

Women were seen as only meant for marriage, and the ideal wife considers her husband to be her master.

Explanation:

When describing a cosmetic that could be used to get rid of Georgiana´s birthmark, Aylmer concludes that "Your case demands a remedy that shall go deeper,” taking for himself the power to make such a decision, and implying that there´s something wrong with her wife beyond her physical appearance.

Georgiana also subscribes to the idea of her being submissive to her husband, even praying that "for a single moment, she might satisfy his highest and deepest conception," even knowing he will never be content.