Refer to “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne in Journeys in Literature: American Traditions. Respond to the prompt.
Authors use paradox to present ideas that, on the surface, seem contradictory. But with deeper analysis, readers figure out that the ideas together make sense. In addition, the intentional pairing of opposing ideas can enhance their meaning or even create new, unexpected meaning.
What are some examples of paradox in “The Birthmark”? How does Hawthorne’s use of paradox affect your understanding of the characters and the plot? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

these have to be in your own words

femininity is conveyed through bernice's personality. she doesn't act how the other girls act and everyone thinks she is weird. she learns how to act in a way that was considered femininely appropriate at the time. she becomes so popular but her attempts to be liked end up backfiring when she is pressured into bobbing her hair. the author wrote that bernice cut off her cousin's hair in revenge for tricking her to cut her hair. this was the authors way of trying to change the way feminine is defined and the way women are expected to act.

is it rising action, falling action, climax, or resolution? need answer also