A comparative study of texts will show that the same values will exist across time and are influenced by the context of the time the value is composed in. The given statement reflecting this states that the values are merely influenced, however these values are actually significantly influenced by the context. These statements can be seen as being absolutely true and is clearly highlighted in the 19th century novel ‘Frankenstein’ written by Mary Shelly and the 1982 dystopian science-fiction film ‘Blade Runner’ directed by Ridley Scott. These two very similar texts express many of the same values within one another; these values could be addressed as the values of scientific discovery and nature. These two, very specific values that exist in each text across time are clearly influenced by the two different contexts of the two different time periods.
“Powerful ideas never lose their relevance with time, even though the way composers communicate those ideas can change.” Discuss common ideas in Frankenstein and Blade Runner – Director’s Cut/Final Cut paying particular attention to the context of these two texts. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner Director’s cut (1982) are both cautionary tales that explore the concept of scientific and technological advancements and the dangers of excessive knowledge. In both texts, knowledge is misused for self aggrandisement and economic prosperity; as a result, the scientists must live with the consequences of their actions as they attempt to defy the limits of the natural world. Frankenstein’s literary context is based on Romanticism in the 19th century, with other elements such as Gothicism, which was also popular at that time. Blade Runner was released in 1982, in a period of rapid development in science, technology and commercialism.
Although texts are often constructed to reflect the values and ideas prevalent in their composer’s society, evolutionary relationships may exist between two texts, presenting similar issues, governed by the same values and perspectives. This is evident in Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein, and Ridley Scott’s film noir Blade Runner, which both present parallel themes of the exploration of humanity, man’s connection to the natural world, and the danger of uninhibited pursuits of knowledge. The epistolary form of Frankenstein, and the metanarratives within Blade Runner, allow audiences to balance perceptions and formulate ideas, ensuring that despite being written in different times, audiences can appreciate contrasting values, while simultaneously
yThroughout the exploration of the module “Texts in Time”, we observe the connections between texts and their reflections of the constancy in human nature, whilst shifting contextual perspectives are maintained. Such a connection is demonstrated in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein” (F/stein) and Scott Ridley’s 1991 film “Bladerunner”, where both composers present a cautionary tale, warning us of the implications of science and technological advances on humanity and thus reflecting their own fears in their respective contextual eras. It is through the analysis of such values and implications that we can see the constancy of human nature throughout time. Frankenstein is a gothic inspired, fragmented epistolary, reflecting the rebellion of the Romantic Movement, which advocated the power of imagination, and ones relationship to nature. The gothic convention of sublime nature is represented thematically, through forces of good and evil leading to vengeance and murder, as well as macabre settings of graveyards and charnel houses.
Mary Shelleys 20th Century text Frankenstein, and Ridley Scotts 19th Century text Blade Runner, share a variety of similarities and differences that are represented though the use of particular issues arising throughout both texts. The context in which the texts are written also have a major effect on the similarities and differences within the issues of nature, 'man playing God', rights of the creations, responsibilities of the creators, humanity and even companionship. The contexts in which these two texts were written differ from each other immensely. With Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’, it was written during a time of great change and upheaval in Europe with issues such as the questioning of religion and the state, Rise of Romanticism, Feminism and even being in the Midst of the Industrial Revolution, Whereas with Scott Ridleys 20th century ‘Blade Runner’, it was filmed in a time of great technological and medical advancements. The Blade Runner context is the science-fiction dystopic future of Los-Angeles in 2019.
To what extent does a comparative study accentuate the influence of context on Frankenstein and Blade Runner? While issues change throughout history, values are often similar but presented from the perspective of an era. Mary Shelley's 1800's Frankenstein and Ridley Scott's 1982 Director's cut of Blade Runner essentially explore the same themes. The messages of ambition and science to usurp God and the loss of humanity reflect the time and contexts of the texts. Frankenstein depicts the ambition to use science to usurp God, influenced by the eighteenth century Enlightenment movement (encouraging reasoning to understand the universe), advancements in science in the nineteenth century and the concept of restoration of life through electricity, known as 'galvanism'.
In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, biotechnology is used by Victor Frankenstein to create a hideous monster from other body parts. Shelley brings into question the consequences of new technologies. In this paper I will consider the developments of human cloning, organ transplants and electricity to evaluate the most important factors to be considered before using new technologies. Technology affects all types of societies and future generations. One important consideration is the benefits of these technologies.
Perhaps it is true and applies to this “double” situation when they say “you are who you marry.” This brings meaning and relates to Frankenstein in the sense that unconsciously, Frankenstein creates a creature that possesses and resembles Frankenstein’s most deep and inner thoughts and desires. He is able to mimic himself through his own creation and therefore cannot grasp to lose the connection he shares with the monster. Subtly and indefinitely, Frankenstein is depicted to share a bond with the monster by exhibiting the uncanny, raw and, monster-like characteristics, while the creature shares both the emotional and unrefined aspect of his creator. Throughout the novel, there are constant references to elements of the non-living and/or the re-creation of man and/or human form. Victor Frankenstein proves to posses an uncanny passion for the dark and paranormal.
Frankenstein was the first science fiction and Gothic novel, a remarkable work showing a profoundness and criticism of science, which still has influence today. The Modern Prometheus is the subtitle of Frankenstein, and this obviously shows the strong connection between Victor Frankenstein and the Greek god Prometheus. Both of them act as creators of life, but they have very different qualities. The time periods, when their stories were created, people had different attitudes about nature, so the themes of the stories reflect the time in which they were written. Frankenstein and Prometheus both act as a god or a creator.
‘Frankenstein’ was written at one such critical time in human development: the Industrial Revolution was reaching its peak, achieving a range of technological feats never yet before imagined, creating the space for individuals to experiment endlessly with the possibilities of development. At the same time those individuals who supported the Romantic Movement at that time – like Shelley – were convinced that love and compassion were key values to guide society. Mary Shelley uses her novel text, ‘Frankenstein’ to warn about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the importance of holding onto key human values such as love and compassion in order to maintain humanity in social advancement. She performs this warning partly through the use of a gothic writing style, creating a dark and heavy mood and a focus on macabre images and content. Shelley was concerned too that the Romantic obsession with the sublime beauty of human imagination could