Brian Kelly

Throughout  my time spent in Understanding Literature there has been one theme I have noticed throughout many pieces of literature. The idea of looking past the external to see the inner beauty is a theme that is relevant not only in class, but in our every day lives. If Aylmer in The Birthmark was able to look past his wife's one external fault he would have been able to appreciate the magnificent beauty his wife possessed. That same idea can be applied in our everyday lives. If we simply judge people immediately by the external appearance without getting to know them for who they really are, we would be missing out on countless of opportunities to meet some of the most fascinating and memorable people of our lives. The idea of racism is still a very prevalent and degrading topic that has torn society apart over the color of ones skin. If man can learn to look past what is on the outside to appreciate the beauty of the human beings soul, we would live in a better world.