AbstractNathaniel Hawthorne‘s ―The Birthmark‖, s imilar to other Hawthorne‘s short stories, is allegorical and gloomy, digging deep to reveal the darker aspect of human nature. Throughout the story, Hawthorne employs overwrought symbolism and other various literary devices to enhance his theme that limitless power of science is destructive. With the purpose of examining how Hawthorne uses stylistic techniques to engross readers in this incredible story, this thesis will firstly present an overview of stylistics and introduce some influential previous researches on Hawthorne and ―The Birthmark‖, which are followed by a brief account of Dark Romanticism. Furthermore, it will carry out a comprehensive stylistic analysis of this story in phonetic, lexical, syntactic, semantic and contextual aspects. Finally, since ―The Birthmark‖ bears major features of the unique writing style of Dark Romanticism, a conclusion will be drawn to summarize the main characteristics of this genre which are embodied in ―The Birthmark‖. Thus, a fuller appreciation of this story as well as that of the American Dark Romanticism will be ultimately achieved.Key Words: Hawthorne, Dark Romanticism, stylistic analysis, psychology, moral seriousness, complexity摘要纳撒尼尔·霍桑是美国十九世纪最杰出的浪漫主义作家之一，其小说风格独特，对美国文学发展产生了积极深远的影响。
《胎记》描述了一个企图依靠科学手段将妻子脸上胎记除去的科学家最终导致妻子死亡的悲剧，批判了人类掌握科学技术后日益膨胀的欲望。
正如霍桑其他揭露人性之“恶”的作品，《胎记》运用了象征手法为故事增添了浓厚的神秘主义，此外，多种文学创作手段的结合也使《胎记》在内容与形式上达到和谐统一并产生强烈的艺术美感。
这部作品基调忧郁暗淡，因此被视为消极浪漫主义的代表作之一。
本文将首先对文体学的相关理论进行归纳，接着总结前人对霍桑及《胎记》所做的研究分析，再简单介绍“消极浪漫主义”的艺术风格。
全文将结合文体学及语言学的理论分别从语音、词汇、语义、句法等方面对《胎记》的文体风格进行详细的剖析，力求通过展现故事的文学美感来深化对其主题的理解，最终归纳出《胎记》中“消极浪漫主义”的显著文体特点。
关键词：霍桑，消极浪漫主义，文体分析，心理描写，忧郁严肃，复杂AcknowledgementsIt was really a laborious task to accomplish a B.A. thesis. I have received much support and help in the process of writing the thesis. Particularly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my supervisor, Mr. Zhang Huahong, for his valuable suggestions, generous instructions and patient revision of my thesis. Without his willingness to share knowledge and ideas, it would be much more difficult for me to work through the thinking and writing process.Additionally, I owe much to the teachers and professors who have ever taught me throughout my college years. Their teaching and assistance have been always pushing me along my academic road.I am also grateful to my good friends and classmates for their care. Without them, I might not be able to enjoy such a loving and pleasant studying environment in which I gradually become mature.Finally, I would also like to thank my family especially my parents for their absolute confidence in me. Their constant encouragements have always supported me to overcome any obstacle in my studies and their understandings have eventually made my thesis-writing much easier.CONTENTSChapter 1Introduction (1)1.1 Overview of Stylistics (1)1.2 Brief Account of Nathaniel Hawthorne and “The Birthmark” (2)1.2.1 Brief Account of Nathaniel Hawthorne (2)1.2.2 Brief Account of ―The Birthmark‖ (2)1.2.2.1 Summary and Theme (2)1.2.2.2 Context of ―The Birthmark‖ (3)1.2.2.3 Previous Researches of ―The Birthmark‖ and Th eir Limitations (3)1.3 Brief Introduction of Dark Romanticism (4)1.4 Objective and Methodology of This Thesis (5)Chapter 2 Phonological Features of “The Birthmark” (6)2.1 Alliteration (6)2.2 Phonemic Repetitions (6)2.3 Polysyndeton (7)2.4 Other Sound Effects (7)Chapter 3 Lexical Features of “The Birthmark” (8)3.1 Lexical Repetition (8)3.2 Formal Expression (9)3.3 Latin Terms, Middle English and Loanwords (9)3.4 Semantic Repetition of Words Indicating ‗Red‘ (10)3.5 Words of Similar Semantic Field (10)3.5.1 Semantic Field of Psychology (10)3.5.2 Semantic Field of Pessimistic Feelings (11)3.5.3 Semantic Field of Sensory Perceptions (12)3.6 Morphemic Repetition (12)3.7 Plural Nouns (13)3.8 Adverbs of Manner (13)Chapter 4 Semantic Features (Figure of Speech) of “The Birthmark” (15)4.1 Simile (15)4.2 Quasi-simile (15)4.3 Metaphor (15)4.4 Overstatement (15)Chapter 5 Syntactic Features of “The Birthmark” (17)5.1 Parenthetical Constructions (17)5.2 Inversion (18)5.3 Asyndeton (18)5.4 Stylistic Convergence (18)5.5 Sentence Length (19)5.6 Subjunctive Mood (20)5.7 Active V oice & Passive V oice (21)Chapter 6 C ohesion of “The Birthmark” (22)6.1 Linkage (22)6.2 Pronouns (22)6.3 Cross-reference (22)Chapter 7 Conclusion (24)7.1 Subjective & Fantastic (24)7.2 Gloomy & Sentimental (24)7.3 Elusive & Mysterious (24)7.4 Subtle & Elaborate (25)Appendix (26)Bibliography (39)“The Birthmark”: Ineffaceable Mark Left on Readers‟ Mind—A Stylistic Analysis on Nathaniel Hawthorne‟s Dark RomanticismChapter 1 Introduction1.1 Overview of StylisticsThroughout the history, with regard to the definition of stylistics, different claims have been made. Wales (2001) simply defines stylistics as ―the study of style‖ while Widdowson (1975) views it as the link between linguistics and literary criticism. Brumfit and Carter (1986 3) agree by emphasizing that there is a certain overlap between these two disciplines. In addition, Jean (1996) claims that major changes in linguistic theory or theory of interpretation will engender new kinds of stylistic analysis. Hoffmannová(1993 287-98) holds a similar view and maintains that since stylistics has been connected with different branches of knowledge in the last fifty years, it has been subdivided into literary stylistics, socio-stylistics, pragmatic stylistics, discourse stylistics, radical stylistics, cognitive stylistics and processing stylistics, etc., among which literary stylistics which tries to explain ―the relation between style and literary or aesthetic function‖ becomes the main concern of stylistic analysis (Leech, 1982).Peter (2002) further studies the aim of stylistic analysis, arguing that stylistic analysis is helpful to overall textual interpretation. As Michael (2001 12-30) specifies the significance of stylistic analysis, maintaining that it firstly provides a detailed description of a particular text and then facilitates the process of interpretation; thus readers‘ understanding of the text can be deepened.Although many stylisticians agree on the importance of stylistic analysis, they hold different opinions on how to carry it out. According to James (1969), stylistic analysis can be done at two levels, namely micro level and macro level. The former focuses on particular features of the text while the latter is concerned with larger units such as the text and the novel. Jean (1996) then proposes a bottom-up method, that is, from micro to macro, from superficial features to underlying implications. Another prominent approach is German stylistician Leo Spitzer's philological circle (1970 30) which involves moving back and forth between analysis and synthesis. This process usually undergoes three stages: identify, describe and explain. In recent years, with the development of computers, in order to increase the objectivity and reliability of stylistic analysis, a new approach has come forth, characterized by making use of corpora as important sources of data in stylistic research (De Vito, 248-55).1.2 Brief Account of Nathaniel Hawthorne and “The Birthmark”1.2.1 Brief Account of Nathaniel HawthorneNathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864), being a central figure in the American Romantic Period, is a prominent novelist and short story writer who contributed greatly to the modern literature.According to Millington‘s Companion to Nathaniel Hawthorne(2004), Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in a New England Puritan family in Salem, Massachusetts on July 4, 1804. After his father‘s death when he was only four years old, Hawthorne was raised by his seclusive mother, who exerted a great influence on Hawthorne‘s introversive and reclusive character. As a child, Hawthorne rarely left the house but endlessly read, developing his meditative temperament. After graduating from Bowdoin College in 1825, he spent nearly twelve years at home in his room, reading and working to become a professional writer.In 1828, his first novel, Fanshawe was published anonymously, yet unsuccessful. After his marriage in 1842, he began to produce a huge amount of world-renowned literary works which explore penetratingly moral and spiritual conflicts, including The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The House of Seven Gables (1851). Hawthorne's other books include Twice-Told Tales (1837) and The Marble Faun (1860). From 1853 to 1859 Hawthorne lived in England and in Italy, but returned to the United States and died on May 19, 1864 in New Hampshire.Hawthorne and his works have been extensively studied. Sara (2005) regards Hawthorne as a writer of complication and mixture who may bewilder and overwhelm the reader. As for Poe (1862), another renowned Dark romanticist, once noted that Hawthorne distinguished himself by his creativity, imagination and originality. He further commented Hawthorne‘s ―effective‖ tone, ―plaintive, thoughtful, and in full accordance with his themes.‖ Hawthorne's major themes include gender roles and the impossibility of earthly perfection. Another recurring theme is secret sin (Newman, 1979). In his numerous short stories, he examined ―the nature of sin, evil, and guilt.‖ (Michael, 2001) Henry James (1880) also sees Hawthorne‘s particular interest in moral problems especially in his science fictions. In order to give a moral lesson, Hawthorne originates an ―allegorical, didactic and moralistic‖ writing style, combining the techniques of gothic romance which is characterized by its symbolic, fantastic and subtle manner (Reuben). Male agrees with Reuben by observing ―[…] the romantic strain that runs through Hawthorne‘s fiction‖ (1964 33).1.2.2 Brief Account of “The Birthmark”1.2.2.1 Summary and Theme―The Birthmark‖ (1943), one of the best romantic short stories written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was first published in Pioneer and later included in Mosses from an Old Manse (1846). With various literary devices, the story examines the obsession of human perfection and hiddenevils of human mind.The protagonist Aylmer, a fanatical scientist, marries a beautiful woman with a single physical flaw: a birthmark on her left cheek. Aylmer then becomes obsessed with this imperfection and applies his scientific knowledge to removing it but Georgiana finally dies as the birthmark disappears. The story demonstrates the theme that the pursuit of earthly perfection is not only impossible, but in a sense, destructive.1.2.2.2 Context of “The Birthmark”The 19th century is a time of dramatic change in America which provides the backdrop for Hawthorne‘s ―The Birthmark‖.Robert Spiller (1969) describes the explosion of science at that time in The Literary History of the U.S.:―[…] never has this conquest of nature led to more surprising frustration, decadence‖. Similarly, Hawthorne detected a hidden crisis in the increasing acclamations of new scientific discoveries and was severely concerned about the possible consequence that science may corrupt nature. Therefore, during that period, Hawthorne characterized scientists as malevolent and produced many science fict ions. ―The Birthmark‖ is one of the most impressive one that establishes Hawthorne as a unique author of the 19th century who fashions a new genre of Romanticism—-Dark Romanticism.Apart from the social influence, personal experience may also exert impact on the creation of ―The Birthmark‖. Samuel (2000) points out that in the early 19th century, many people regarded mesmerism as science to cure illness. Hawthorne's wife Sophia Peabody was one of these patients, which worried Hawthorne so much that he displayed great dread for science. According to Millington (2004), "The Birthmark" may reflect Hawthorne's anxiety of his marriage. Thus, he expressed his worries by elaborating the psychological tension between the couple in ―The Birthmark‖.1.2.2.3 Previous Researches of “The Birthmark” and Their LimitationsHawthorne‘s ―The Birthmark‖ has been numerously studied in different perspectives. Nevertheless, most of the researches concern about the symbolism, deep psychology and gender roles in this short story.Symbolism, a traditional literary device favored by Romanticists, is employed throughout ―The Birthmark‖. Thus most studies centre on Hawthorne‘s skillful symbolism. In this story, Georgiana‘s birthmark has been given various symbolic meaning by different scholars. Firstly, it directly represents nature thus the removal of it indicates a disturbance of nature (Rountree, 1972). Mellow (1980) regards it as a symbol of imperfection. However, Millington (2004) takes a different view, he maintains that the birt hmark simply symbolizes Georgiana, thus Aylmer‘sremoval of it actually offend her humanity. Moreover, the birthmark can also represent Georgiana‘s ―liability to sin, sorrow, decay and death.‖ (Mollinger, 1981) Besides the birthmark, there are other symbols. Goldsmith (1979) shows interests in the symbolism in Aylmer and claims that he represents culture. Nevertheless, Colacurcio (1981) sees in a different aspect, taking Hawthorne‘s Puritan background into consideration. He explains that Aylmer in essence s ymbolizes the goal of purification and Georgiana‘s death symbolizes that purification cannot be realized. Even Aminidad, Aylmer‘s assistant has symbolic implication. On the one hand, he represents barbarism, while on the other hand the correct choice because he is not obsessed with the birthmark but values Georgiana‘s integrity (Goldsmith, 1979).As for Frederick Crews (1966), he studies Hawthorne in the psychological perspective and discerns the acute psychological awareness in ―The Birthmark‖. In this sto ry, Hawthorne pioneers the mode of psychological fiction (Joel, 1991). Stephens (2005) elaborates on the psychological dimensions of the story. Based on her findings, throughout the text, many indications prove of Alymer‘s various ―psychological quirks and dysfunctions‖.Additionally, femininity and masculinity in this story have also been enormously studied, especially from a feminist perspective. Hawthorne portrays Alymer as a vain, delusive and obstinate man while characterizes Georgiana as a gentle and obedient woman (Rita). Sara (2005) is interested in female‘s image in ―The Birthmark‖ and emphasizes that the society gave women ―the psychological incentive to pathologize themselves‖. For Baym (1982 58-77), the central issue in ―The Birthmark‖ is also fe mininity. She argues that Georgiana represents many women who devalued certain feminine in attempt to gain recognition in the man-dominated society. Nevertheless, disagreed with Baym‘s claim of the femininity in ―The Birthmark‖, Richard (2006) argues that what Baym calls "feminism" is essentially masculinity. In his viewpoint, the male mistreatment or female destruction in ―The Birthmark‖ underscores the traditional notion of masculinity.However, among all the findings of ―The Birthmark‖, there seems to b e a lack of stylistic analysis which is indeed essential. Associating these findings with Hawthorne‘s choice of style, stylistic analysis can undoubtedly provide concrete evidence thus verify those findings and enrich them. On the other hand, based on thes e known facts concerning the story‘s theme, characterization and psychological dimension concluded by previous research, the thesis can carry out a convincing and comprehensive stylistic analysis of ―The Birthmark‖ with relative ease.1.3 Brief Introduction of Dark RomanticismAmerican Romanticism originated in the late 18th century and flourished in 19th century, rebelling against the age of the Enlightenment and its faith in reason, and was characterized byinterest in nature, emphasis on imagination and belief in the goodness of man (Seignueret, 1988). However, disapproving of most Romanticists, some writers of the period such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and Nathaniel Hawthorne were less optimistic. They doubt whether man‘s knowledge will cause his salvation or his ruin (Kathy, 2002). Thus they moved towards a new genre of Dark Romanticism.As one of the most popular sub-genres of American literature, Dark Romanticism resembles Romanticism in that both worship nature, value emotion over logic and favor symbolism (Thompson, 1974). However, Dark Romanticism stresses the existence of human evils. In this respect, it shifts attention away from the fundamental goodness of human towards the dark side of their soul and thus generates a grotesque, gloomy and horrific style (Platzner, 1971). Furthermore, Male (1964) claims the major themes of Dark Romanticism are tragic vision of life, awe at nature, fascination of mystery and belief in the reality of evil.1.4 Objective and Methodology of This ThesisBas ed on the previous literary criticisms of ―The Birthmark‖ such as its theme, gender roles, psychological dimension and symbolism which have been summarized above, this thesis will address itself to a comprehensive stylistic analysis of this story in the hope of intensifying the readers‘ aesthetic awareness. Moreover, since ―The Birthmark‖ bears significant characteristics of Dark Romanticism, the stylistic analysis may deepen the understanding of Hawthorne‘s unique writing style as well as that of Dark Romanticism.Firstly, this thesis adopts Fowler‘s(1977) concept of ―new stylistics‖ which requires to apply techniques of modern linguistics to the study of literature. Secondly, on the basis of the theories of Leech as well as the approach of Leo Spitzer's philological circle (identify, describe and explain), it will carry out a detailed stylistic analysis of ―The Birthmark‖ in phonetic, lexical, syntactic, semantic and contextual aspects. Additionally, in order to make this thesis more objective and convincing, statistical analysis which studies the frequency and distribution of some obvious literary features will also be employed to provide concrete evidence for the stylistic analysis.Chapter 2 Phonological Features of “The Birthmark”2.1 AlliterationAlliteration refers to the repetition of initial identical sounds at the beginning of words. In this story, alliteration is often used by the author to create a harmony of sound. Consider several examples:sin, sorrow; decay and death (L64) soul or sense (L66) grandeur and grace (L168) grunt or growl (L219) anxious and absorbed (L315)It is easy to find that the underlined letters indicate places of alliteration. As is shown above, they are good examples of alliteration. Furthermore, phonaesthetic effect is also created, since in these pairings, the similarities of sound connote similarities of meaning.2.2 Phonemic RepetitionsRepetitions of certain sounds or clusters of sounds produce a euphonic effect and an aesthetic impression on the reader. Various phonemic repetitions establish a clear and musical style of ―The Birthmark‖. Firstly, notice the listed words ended with the suffix ‗–ness‘.distinctness (L39) loveliness (L51) prettiness (L55) paleness (L75) directness (L97) madness (L114) watchfulness (L127) openness (L140) whiteness (L148) readiness (L155) earthiness (L157) consciousness (L163) faintness (L164) restlessness (L304) watchfulness (L316) firmness (L329) tenderness (L349) completeness (L431) happiness (L432)The words above, without exception, all share the same root repetition ‗-ness‘ which creates a rhyme. Same with alliteration, rhyme creates beauty of sound. Similar root repetition is also formed by words ended in ‗-less‘. (See Suffix Repetition)Another notable phonemic repetition consists of words ended in –y, forming the rhyme /i/. See the sentence below:In those days when the comparatively recent discovery of electricity and other kindred mysteri es of Nature […] (L5)From what has been discussed above, it can be inferred that Hawthorne attaches importance to human emotion, thus he wants to arouse readers‘ emotion not only by his beautiful sentencesbut also by the emotively reinforcing effect of sound. Therefore, phonemic repetitions as well as alliteration do achieve Dark Romanticism‘s appeal to the emotions.2.3 PolysyndetonPolysyndeton is a marked repetition of a conjunction before each parallel phrase. It is often used for the sake of rhythm. In the following sentence, rhythmic parallelism not only accompanies the parallelism of grammar, but also connotes to the reader an endless show-off of Aylmer‘s great scientific achievements; therefore, his self-conceit is underscored.[…] he had satisfied himself […]; and had explained […], and how it is […], and others […], and attempted to fathom […], and from the spiritual world […] (L133)Polysyndeton is pleasing to the ear. Taking this sentence for example, if it is rewritten by eliminating the repetition of the conjunction ‗and‘, the emphatic sound effect will be undoubtedly lost. More importantly, since scientists‘ excess use of power is a persistent theme in the Dark Romanticism. Hawthorne actually conveys his fear of the limitless power of science to readers by using this structure to create an endless feeling.2.4 Other Sound EffectsIt is reasonable that Hawthorne excels at using sound effects to convey his message, which can be proved by his impressing on readers the harsh auditory effect in the characterization of Aminadab. Notice the words below:bulky, shaggy, grimed, mechanical, smoky, incrusted (Para.25) uncouth (L228) grunt or growl (L229) clay (L319) gross, chuckle (L409)These words used on Aminadab are similar in the way that they all contain the sound /k/ or /g/ which naturally gives readers an implication of a brute and vulgar personality. This sound effect is perfectly in accordance with the character of this uncultivated, crude assistant who ―seemed to represent man‘s physical nature.‖Lastly, excessive polysyllables (See Lexical Feature) in this story may also create a rhythmical effect and carry through a melodious tone which seems to bring the reader back to the ancient times. Thus, the beautiful and mysterious style of Dark Romanticism has been enhanced.Chapter 3 Lexical Features of “The Birthmark”3.1 Lexical RepetitionOne of Hawthorne‘s means of deepening his theme is his lexical repetition. While reading through the story, the reader may be repeatedly reminded by certain individual words. These words enjoy such a high frequency that readers are impelled to ponder on Hawthorne‘s serious message. For example, words referring to the birthmark such as ‗mark‘, ‗birthmark‘ and ‗hand‘ occur altogether 52 times; words like ‗perfect‘, ‗perfection‘ and ‗imperfection‘ appear 29 times; besides, ‗science‘ or ‗scientific‘ occur 15 times while ‗nature‘ and ‗natural‘ 19 times. These recurring words actually reflect recurring theme of ―The Birthmark‖.In "The Birthmark", Georgiana's birthmark symbolizes a natural imperfection, so when Aylmer tries to remove it, nature was defied by man‘s overuse of his spiritual and scientific power. Therefore, lexical repetitions which mostly serve as symbolism, a device favored by Dark Romanticists, has effectively emphasized this theme.3.2 Formal ExpressionA general impression of this story is Hawthorne‘s excessive use of formal vocabulary and expressions, avoiding vulgar language or words which are offensive to the ear. Thus a well-read and cultivated style is formed. Consider his precise word selection in Paragraph 1:eminent; proficient; made experience of; affinity; kindred; rival; congenial; aliment; ardent; possessed; weaned(Para.1)At the beginning of narration, Hawthorne strikes the reader with so many formal expressions which establish a serious tone of Dark Romanticism for the story. Moreover, the characterization of Aylmer is also realized. When describing the protagonist, formal words exactly outline Aylmer as a learned, exalted and proud scientist of a high social status. Similar evidence can be found elsewhere:countenance (L4) convert (L49) apprised (L126) fathom (L137) recondite (L166) assented (L205)Furthermore, lexical formality also embodies in the idealized speech throughout the story. Even Aylmer‘s emotional outburst seldom contains displeasing or uncultivated language:―[…] has it never occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?‖ (L20)―[…] have you any recollection of a dream last night about this odious hand?‖ (L79)―Drink, then, thou lofty creature!‖ (L379)Although Hawthorne‘s dialogue was overly formal, it was an effective tool in describing human emotion (Gale, 1996). Exception is only found in the description of Aminadab, Aylmer‘s assistant. Vulgar and short words, such as bulky (L152); shaggy (L153); smoky (L157); grunt, growl (L219), perfectly depict a clumsy, uneducated and rude man in contrast to Aylmer. Additionally, informal expressions like contraction and colloquial phrase can exclusively be found in Aminadab‘s direct speech:―If she were my wife, I’d never part with that birthmark.‖ (L162)3.3 Latin Terms, Middle English and LoanwordsIt is notable that Hawthorne favors Latin terms and Middle English expressions in ―The Birthmark‖. Firstly, in respect that the story happens ―in the latter part of the last century‖, Middle English can precisely establish a remote and ancient setting for the story. Secondly, Latin has long been cherished as a noble and sacred language spoken by well-educated people. Therefore, struck by such indigestible vocabulary, readers can infer that Aylmer is a knowledgeable intellect with a civilized background. Examples are found as follows:eminent; proficient (L1) affinity (L3) countenance (L4) votaries (L10) aught (L54) mimic (L55) abode (L167) nay (L68) lore (L184) minute (L206) vitae elixir (L216) nostrum (L218) vial (L231) lotion (L249) conjecture (L254) friar (L265) folio (L272) sorcerer (L292) mien (L317) thou (L319) hither (L326) goblet (L360)It is worth mentioning that Latin wordiness which indicates lexical complexity is evident in the frequent use of polysyllables:eminent; proficient; philosophy; experience; affinity; spiritual; attractive; chemical; laboratory; countenance (Para.1)interviews; generally; inquiries; atmosphere; confinement; temperature; sensations (Para.49)Another obvious lexical feature is the loanwords especially used for describing the decoration of the luxurious furnishings of the couple‘s room, creating a mysterious, exotic andgorgeous sense. Loanwords, mostly French words, abound in Paragraph 28:boudoir, pastil (L160) grandeur (L168) pavilion (L171) perfumed (L173)On all accounts, Latin terms, Middle English and loanwords all accord with Dark Romanticism‘s obsession of ancient mystery.3.4 Semantic Repetition of Words Indicating …Red‟American critic Miller (1982) maintains that semantic repetition involves two kinds of repetition, namely immediate and distant (remote) repetitions. The former is explicit because it refers to the repetition of the same words, while the latter is implicit characterized by the recurring of words of similar meaning. ―The Birthmark‖ contains numerous words that indicate the concept of ‗red‘. Consider Hawthorne‘s distant repetition in the story:furnace（L4）reddening (L29) crimson (L35) rosiness (L35) blushed (L36) blood (L37) fire (L73) roses (L75) ruby (L77) flushed (L209) redhot (L225) hot; feverish (L306) glow (L307) sanguine (L317) parched (L384) sunset (L385)As is mentioned above, Dark Romanticism stresses emotion. Accordingly, Hawthorne employs words indicating ‗red‘ to impart a disturbed, anxious and unrestful mood to the reader, producing a strong emotional feeling. On the one hand, these word s suggest Aylmer‘s arrogant personality, sinful acts and boundless passion for science; on the other hand, they remind the reader regularly of the psychological tension between the husband and the wife. Thus, by this distant repetition of the concept of red, the author successfully transfers his message to readers and makes ―The Birthmark‖ highly emotional.3.5 Words of Similar Semantic FieldAs ―The Birthmark‖ is psychological, it is noteworthy that Hawthorne‘s preference for words belonging to certain semantic fields in the story conduces to a plaintive, romantic and imaginative style in full accordance with his recurring theme.3.5.1 Semantic Field of PsychologyAbove all, what strikes the reader is the large quantity of words referring to psychology or imagination, mostly abstract nouns and non-factive verbs. Furthermore, among all the words denoting psychology, words like ‗seem‘ and ‗as if‘ occur most frequently, indicating Hawthorne‘s。