Rappaccini's Daughter

1 Pages 238 Words

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter”, Professor Pietro Baglioni characterizes Dr. Rappaccini as both a man and a scientist. There a passages that describes Baglioni’s opinion of Rappaccini on pages 52 and 53.

Baglioni dislikes Rappaccini. He does not agree with his methods in science. Baglioni states “the truth is, our worshipful Dr. Rappaccini has as much science as any member of the faculty-with perhaps one single exception-in Padua, or all Italy; but there are certain grave objections to his professional character.” Baglioni seems to agree that the methods of Rappaccini are not what would be considered ethical.

Baglioni also says that “But as for Rappaccini, it is said of him-and I, who know that man well, can answer for its truth-that he cars infinitely more for science than for mankind.” Obviously Baglioni has spent some time with the Dr. and does not car for him. He seems to disagree with Rappaccini in many if not all aspects of his life.

Baglioni’s opinion is concreted on page 53, where Baglioni states “He would sacrifice human life, his own among the rest, or whatever else was dearest to him, for the sake of adding so much as a grain of mustard seed to the great heap of his accumulated knowledge.” Baglioni believes that Rappaccini is selfish and that he will do nothing but to further himself, and he will hurt anyone he needs to, even his own daughter....