Theme Of Nature In Rappaccini's Daughter

Nature is an important focal point of romantic literature. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter”, Rappaccini studies botany and experiments on his own daughter Beatrice, who now lives a life of isolation in her father’s home and garden; Giovanni is then captivated by the nature of Beatrice. Both the natural and human aspects of nature brings out the true personalities of characters, and depicts the natural occurrence of curiosity within all humans. Rappaccini is a naturally curious man. This is especially apparent in his works with botany, the scientific study of plants. Rappacinni delves deeper within the science, and becomes immersed in new creations with toxic plants. He begins to expose his innocent, young daughter to poisonous plants and toxins to the point where she can kill insects simply by breathing on them. His curiosity causes him to sacrifice humanity for intellectual gain, which leads to the usage of botany on his daughter in the name of science. The study of plants, and the nature of the plants itself exposes Rappacinni’s inner most self; he is addicted to satisfying his curiosity by immersing himself deeper in botanical works. Beatrice is imprisoned by her own body, trapped by the poisons that give her life. Her poisonous self keeps her from the natural right of freedom of humans
Rappacinni places scientific achievement, and the pursuit of knowledge to satisfy his curiousity, which then causes him to lose his humanity, corrupting his mind body and spirit. Beatrice has a hunger for reality while being forced to live a dystopia her father constructs. Giovanni is pulled by the beauty of Beatrice; her nature and mannerisms catches him, causing him to want to know more about her. “Rappacinni’s Daughter” shows the effects of nature on man, and how it can start a new found passion, whether it be good or bad, within