"Rappacini's Daughter"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines "Rappacini's Daughter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, a complex and magical story, which has been interpreted in many different ways. It looks at how, although many different interpretations of this story exist, the one that seems to make the most sense is the underlying story of the father and daughter and how their relationship alters as Beatrice grows older. It shows how the father is so immersed in his scientific study that he has ignored his daughter's growing up, but he understands her needs as a woman and tries to supply them the only way he knows how, with a lover immune to her poison.

From the Paper:

"Throughout the story, there are many references to the relationship between the father and the daughter, and what it means to them. Giovanni realizes Beatrice has never been outside the garden, she has led a very sheltered and lonely life. Her father realizes this too, and attempts to provide her with the perfect man, one who is immune to the numerous poisons running through her system. Her father has taught her everything he knows, but she does not recognize her knowledge. She tells Giovanni, "Do people say that I am skilled in my father's science of plants? What a jest is there! No; though I have grown up among these flowers, I know no more of them than their hues and perfume; and sometimes, methinks I would fain rid myself of even that small knowledge" (Hawthorne)."

More papers on "Rappacini's Daughter":

• Analytical Essay # 1156 : "Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Rappacini's Daughter" and "The Birthmark."
• Book Review # 123251 : "'Daughter of My People' Analysis"
• Analytical Essay # 71087 : "The Birthmark" and "Rappaccini's Daughter"

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