The Artist of the Beautiful

Choose one dichotomy/polarity depicted by Hawthorne and use the text to explain how it is utilized and interpreted. In what ways does this duality help illuminate the themes within the story?

Explain the symbolism of the butterfly and its role in the story. How does the butterfly reflect the artist’s spirit and pursuit of ideal beauty? How does the butterfly play a role in reviving the artist’s creativity throughout the story?

Consider what makes this story science fiction. Discuss the butterfly as a machine of the mechanical age, and its interactions with humans seen in that light. Does this story have anything to say about whether humans and machines can work together and live in harmony, and about the energies transferred from human to creation?