The short story 'The Birthmark' is mainly about a man's obsession with his wife's small birthmark and his attempts to remove it, with unexpected consequences.
The main theme of the story is about the human obsession with physical flawlessness and how it can lead to tragedy. It also explores the idea of acceptance and the value of imperfection.
Sure. 'The Birthmark' has all the hallmarks of a Gothic story. The presence of a strange birthmark, the exploration of human flaws, and the overall ominous tone make it a classic example of the Gothic style.
Well, 'The Birthmark' is classified as Gothic fiction due to its emphasis on the supernatural birthmark, the doomed fate of the characters, and the overall ominous tone throughout the narrative.