How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
In the usual state of her complexion — a healthy though delicate bloom — the mark wore a tint of deeper crimson, which imperfectly defined its shape amid the surrounding rosiness. When she blushed it gradually became more indistinct, and finally vanished amid the triumphant rush of blood that bathed the whole cheek with its brilliant glow. (7)
This supports the claim that Georgiana's birthmark is related to her sexuality. Getting flushed is a sign of sexual arousal, and we see here that the birthmark's visibility fluctuates with the rush of blood into her cheeks.
Quote #5
With the morning twilight Aylmer opened his eyes upon his wife's face and recognized the symbol of imperfection; and when they sat together at the evening hearth his eyes wandered stealthily to her cheek, and beheld, flickering with the blaze of the wood fire, the spectral hand that wrote mortality where he would fain have worshipped. (9)
Why does Aylmer need to worship his wife to love her? It seems as though he misunderstands both marriage and Georgiana's role as a wife and even as a person.
Quote #6
"Even Pygmalion, when his sculptured woman assumed life, felt not greater ecstasy than mine will be.'' (19)
Pygmalion is a figure from Greek mythology who sculpted his perfect woman out of ivory and fell in love with her. In one interpretation of "The Birthmark," it is significant in that Aylmer is in love with the idea of his own creation of Georgiana, not with Georgiana herself. He is in love with her in so far as he creates another, perfect image of her. In another, slightly more optimistic interpretation, we are meant to take Aylmer's love for Georgiana as genuine and world-altering – just like Pygmalion's was for his statue/wife.