Mary Shelley’s gothic promethean novel, Frankenstein (1818), was released during the industrial revolution as romanticism was thriving, while Ridley Scott’s futuristic sci-fi Blade runner (1992) grew with the dawning of a capitalistic increasingly globalised and technologically driven society. The comparative study of these texts encompasses themes of humanity and playing God through a tone of moral warning and allows the responder to explore how similar content in different contexts will reflect changing, but also constant values. Through the use of filmic techniques, Scott demonstrates how nature and religion are absent in a world overrun by consumerism and technology. Due to her context, Shelley alternatively uses imagery and allusions to hint at the consequences humanity will suffer if they try to better God through the misuse of science and the corruption of nature. Both of these texts reflect the distinctive contexts in which they were written; although separated by over 100 years of history, they still present similar issues and dilemmas which affected the form and features of the individual texts.
This proceeds with the question; what advancements are moral? I believe that any science, innovation, study, or sort of exploration must be morally just, intended to better our understanding of the world, and be created with intention to improve any part of society. For example, the formation of the first rocket ship was monumental in bringing exploration to the new frontier and impacted our society for the better. Therefore this invention would be considered moral and for positive advancement. On the contrary, the scientific creation of something such as the nuclear bomb could be considered scientific expansion for the worse as it can provide horrible outcomes and is lethal if put in the wrong hands; thus classified as
It is not deniable that genetic modification of humans or thought into such direction was present at the time. All such things have penetrated Scott’s mind and is emulated in his film and the values and criticisms are demonstrated in his film are similar or the same as the values and criticisms present in Frankenstein The theme of exploitation of nature is seen in both Frankenstein and Blade Runner and a close study of the theme in the two texts reveals that the same values and criticisms are palpable in both texts hence heightening one’s notion that even with the huge gulf of time between the two texts the same values and criticisms are evident. Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the exploitation of nature and the exploitation would seem to be in its early stages while Blade Runner encompasses the effects of the exploitation of nature after many years. Mary Shelly shows a deep love for nature and in many instances in her novel she takes the time to state how much she values the sublime power of nature. The ‘monster’ states that his “spirits were elevated by the enchanting appearance of nature” which blotted the past from his memory and says “the present was tranquil, and the future gilded by bright rays of hope and
Many people during the enlightenment produced new theories which in many occasions came to confront religion teachings. Interest in science grew very fast and it was widespread. People from diverse status and background begun to explore various fields of science. Monarchs founded scientific academies, observatories and museums. These societies brought scientists together to work in teams and make important scientific work that is approved until today.
A theorist who strongly supports the idea of modernism is Anthony Giddens. His theory is that the new developments and technological advances we now have are a development of modernity. When speaking of the world today Giddens generalises it as being; “The attitudes and ways of life associated with modern societies, such as our belief in progress, the benefits of science and our capability to control the modern world” In relation to art, and artistic relevance, Modernity and modernism is key. Through the study of books I have come to the understanding that there were three major movements throughout history in which Art has drastically been revolutionised due to modernism. These times were particularly apparent in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Ronaldo Pintado 10/26/13 Period 1 A.P European History The Scientific Revolution was a very important period in history that established new ideas in science and new views on the universe. This revolution didn’t just start in the 16th and 17th century. This went back as early as the Middle Ages. The reason is because as well as new ideas and discoveries were made, philosophers were also reexamining and revising old theories and data from the late Middle Ages and contributing it in their own work. During this revolution, there were many great philosophers who made incredible contributions to science and changed the way people look at the world around them.
| Frankenstein | Blade Runner | Theme | Advancement of Science & Technology/New philosophies | Context | Romantic era – new sciences being discovered. Readers would have been aware of recent advancements in scientific endeavours. Promethean myth.-warning about the threat to a diminished humanity posed by science-galvanism | 1980’s – Technological revolution; greater access to personal computers; DNA testing; global trade available due to improved communications; notion of cloning a reality.Dehumanising effect of technology: -> loss of power, empathy (increasing in the alienation and isolation from society) | Technique/Examples | Quest for knowledge; desire to understand the inner workings of nature; exploration of new places.Walton’s journey to the North Pole. Victor’s quest to cure diseases. Walton and Victor’s thirst for knowledge and passion for learning.
Alexander’s expeditions into new lands had aroused curiosity and an increased knowledge about the different features of the world. The scientific investigation of the physical world expanded. Science and mathematics became new studies to become involved in. The first scholarly research institute was built. The way art was looked upon changed.
The Renaissance: The Era That defined the World By LaKeitha Lewis Prof. Scott Gressford HUMN303: Intro. To Humanities 12/07/2014 The Renaissance: The Era That Changed the World The Renaissance was an era full of some of the most profound and revolutionary innovations, inventions, and advancements, so much so that they defined civilizations for many centuries to come, even in the world of today. It was a time period that many viewed as both important and unique, having characteristics of its own earmarked by the influx of interest in the Classical style of Ancient times. The return to the classics span across all aspects of science and art. Many important events came from this era, including a surge in human awareness appropriately called “Humanism”, the re-visiting classic art styles from Ancient Roman and Greek times, and a boom in scientific discoveries.
Many artists, designers, and architects were excited by new technologies and lifestyles, while others retreated into the past, embracing the spirit world, fantasy, and myth. Art Nouveau was a response to the radical changes caused by the rapid urban growth and technological advances that followed the Industrial Revolution. art Art Nouveau was more than a mere style. It was a way of thinking about modern society and new production methods. It was an attempt to redefine the meaning and nature of the work of art.