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Bubble Test Comprehension Activity (CCSs RL items 1, 2, 3, 4, 10): These questions are designed to invoke
discussion. Have students cite evidence from the text when completing and reviewing. Key: 1. c; 2. d 3. d; 4. b;
5. c; 6. a; 7. a; 8. d; 9. answers will vary.
Vocabulary Activity (CCSs RL #.4 and RF #.3): This play was designed to elevate vocabulary and consequently
may be challenging for some students. The Mad Scientist Vocabulary activity covers twenty of the most
challenging ones. Students are asked to match each challenging word from the play with a simple synonym.
This activity can be done before or after reading the play.
Extension Activities:
Pair with informational texts about plastic surgery, artificial beautifications such as tanning and piercing,
or cyber bullying.
Read the original text by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Many people use our classic short story plays as both an
introduction and an extension of the original story.
Put Aylmer on trial. Stage a court scene in which prosecutors charge Aylmer with an appropriate crime
and defense attorneys defend his actions.
Enact alongside other plays. Consider pairing this with other Gothic tales such as The Monkeys Paw and
The Tell-Tale Heart. Have your class enact all three as part of a Gothic Showcase or for Halloween. These
titles are available via ReadAloudPlays.com.
2012 by Mack Lewis, All Rights Reserved ReadAloudPlays.com The Birthmark Page 7 of 10
Adapted by Mack Lewis ReadAloudPlays.com
Cast:
Professor Aylmer, the revered scientist Georgiana, his nearly-perfect bride
James, the professors friend and the narrator of our story
Aminadab, the professors brutish assistant The Party Guests: Lady1, Lady2, Gentleman
2012 by Mack Lewis, All Rights Reserved ReadAloudPlays.com The Birthmark Page 2 of 10
Aylmer: Very well. Everyone, your attention, Georgiana: Why no. It has so often been called
please. As you know, Ive cleansed the acid a charm, I guess Im simple enough to have
stains from my fingers and convinced a beautiful believed it.
young woman to become my wife. Allow me to
introduce my dearest Georgiana. Aylmer: Upon another face it might be
charming, but not on yours, Georgiana. No, you
James (to audience): Naturally, the guests were came so nearly perfect into this world that this
enthralled, reacting to her beauty first with oohs slightest defect shocks me.
and ahs . and then as only humans can.
Georgiana: Shocks you? Then why did you ever
Lady1: Perfect beauty is an understatement! marry me? You cant love what shocks you!
Shes stunning!
James: Reddening
Lady2: It might be with anger she burst
true if it werent for into tears and fled the
that birthmark on her room.
face. Its shaped like a
tiny human hand! Aylmer (shuddering):
Egh! Have you ever
Gentleman: Come Has it ever seen anything like it,
occurred to
now! All the men I you that your
James? Its like a
know find it attractive. birthmark crimson stain upon
Its as if the tiniest of could be the snow!
fairies has impressed removed?
Gentleman: But isnt it our flaws that make us Aylmer: Small thing? Its all I see. But thanks to
human? science it can be removed. Stay with us, James,
and I will show you.
Lady1: Youre right. Now that I see it, it
practically ruins her. Why, it looks like a bloody
hand. Shes hideous.
Scene Three
James: Foolishly, I did stay, and later that night
2012 by Mack Lewis, All Rights Reserved ReadAloudPlays.com The Birthmark Page 3 of 10
Aylmer: Aminadab, its time. James: Deeper still he wrenched. I watched
horrified as Georgianas body began to struggle
Aminadab: Heh, heh, heh. So be it, sir. But if against the professors knife. Stop it! I called.
you ask me, were she my wife Id never part Youre killing her! But Aminadabs strong hands
with that birthmark. held me back even as his guttural laugh echoed
through the chamber.
Aylmer: But she is not your wife. Now do as I
say! Aminadab: Heh, heh, heh!
2012 by Mack Lewis, All Rights Reserved ReadAloudPlays.com The Birthmark Page 4 of 10
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