Rappuchini’s Daughter Essay, Research Paper

Rappaccini s daughter, at first glance appears to be a story of an evil scientist. Looking at it from that perspective Baglioni would take on the role of an untraditional hero. As the story is broken down and further analyzed in depth you begin to notice that the roles of the two men are not at cut and dry as they appear. In fact they even have similar qualities that can not put them into categories of good or evil. Initially it is easy to assume the relationship between the two scientists is not exactly a significant role in the story but with further analysis, it is one of the most important.

Rappaccini and Baglioni shared some subtle, but common similarities. The obvious, being their love for science and were both well educated. Most of all was the manipulative side they both possessed. Just as Rappaccini use the beauty of Beatrice to attract Giovanni, the same can be said for Baglioni. It is feasible to say he used Giovanni to attract Beatrice.

Science was such a prominent part of Rappaccini s life that it spilled over into other areas. Like any other father, Rappaccini wanted what he thought was best for his daughter. He proved this when he said to his daughter Dost thou deem it misery to be endowed with marvelous gifts, against which no power nor strength could avail any enemy? Misery, to be able to quell the mightiest with breath? Misery, to be as terrible as though art beautiful? Would thou, then have preferred the condition of a weak woman, exposed to all evil and capable of none? In his eyes he was doing what was best for his daughter. Rappaccini did not see his actions as being manipulative and his intentions were not malicious. However whether or not he intended to be that way, his actions were still viewed as being manipulative.

Baglioni s spirit is not free from deceit and manipulation either. It is easily conceivable that Giovanni was merely a pawn in one big plan to stop Rappaccini. His relationship with the father of the young student makes a very good argument that he may have helped Giovanni find a place to stay. If this is the case, then it is feasible that Baglioni s sole intent for Giovanni was to be used as a weapon against Rappaccini. So yet again in the story we see the manipulative side of a character. Even though Baglioni s intentions were good that does not change the fact that he used deception to reach his goal.

Rappaccini and Baglioni are actually more alike than they are different. Both men had good intentions it was just the way their ideas were carried out. They each used the emotions of a friend or loved one to reach a personal goal. The only difference is, Rappaccini may have been merely a case of clouded judgement while Baglioni s was fully intentional. The fact that both men had negative methods and positive reasons means that neither of them could be labeled good or evil.