With these diseases preventable, it's possible to save billions of lives around the world. So now knowing the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering, is Embryonic Stem Cell research really worth debating
The monster comments on his bodily composition in the novel and makes a seemingly obvious comment much more intriguing. The monster paves the way for a successful scientific understanding of the novel and the concept of recreating life: “I was not even of the same nature as man” (Shelley 103). The monster makes clear the fact that he came into existence in a fashion far-removed from natural sexual reproduction and human birth. The critic Stanley Crouch explains: “Frankenstein injected into the game the idea of artificially creating life. Scientifically manipulating the forces that underlie existence; subverting sexual coupling as the sole manner of passing on the divine spark” (Crouch 56).
In what ways does a comparative study accentuate the distinctive contexts of Frankenstein and Blade Runner? The values and morals of society have dramatically changed throughout the course of history, so too has the knowledge of science, its teachings and influences on the world. As new technologies have been under further experimentation into the production of man-made life forms, the debate between science and religion has continued. It is these issues within an author’s context that influences them and the texts they create. 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.
A part where the movie and book differs is the types of body parts Victor Frankenstein comprises the monsters body with. In the book, Frankenstein believed he put together a beautiful body by providing yellow skin which would cover the workings of the muscles and arteries, long flowing black lustrous hair, and pearly white teeth. What Victor Frankenstein visualized as a beautiful creation turned out to be the complete opposite mental image of his creation. In today’s society, plastic surgery plays in a similar role in what Victor Frankenstein did in his goal of creating life. Some people have gone the lengths for physical alteration or to achieve the perfect body image via plastic surgery.
Chapter four of Shelly’s Frankenstein focuses on Victor Frankenstein’s disease of obsession. He absorbs himself in the study of anatomy, death and decomposing. He masters the concepts and ideas that his professors have put forth in these fields. His devotion to the topic of life broadens when he yearns to uncover the “secret of life” and the ultimate “eternal light.” Locked away in his private studio apartment his visualizes and generates an animate creature known as the monster. Frankenstein’s vision encompasses forming a new species of life form.
As time goes by, society changes; new discoveries are made, new inventions come about and knowledge of the world around us increases. All this notably influences society’s perception of themselves, people around them and life in general. Through the study of texts from various time periods, it is safe to say that any literature or media reflects the context in which it was produced. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, released in 1818, echoes the intricate mindsets, ideas, values and criticisms of Shelly’s society. Similarly, Blade Runner (the director’s cut) by Ridley Scott released in 1992 mirrors the society of his time.
| 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.
It makes the viewer think 'Where do you draw the line in the advancement of eugenics?' Through the use of satire the director has shown an alternatice future. The film incorporates the traditional elements of movie - a murder-mystery tied in with a love story plus a science fiction touch very effectively to show these themes. The main theme and issue presented in the film is how will genetic engineering change and effect mankind. Characters such as Vincent, Anton and Director Josef act as a warning to viewers that specific gene therapy used to predetermine attributes of a child isn't necessarily a good thing.
Stem cells have also been used for bone marrow transplants when bone marrow donation is not available. Although stem cell research is very costly at the same time it is very worth saving the lives of those who suffer from certain disease. In doing embryonic stem cell research the discarded embryos can be used to help mankind. Embryonic stem cell research should be
ATMC14319 Organ donation is defined as the process of removing an organ or tissue from one person and placing it into another person. Transplanted organ have given the people who has a damaged organ a new chance for a longer life with a health organ. The process of organ donation can save as many as eight lives through the surgical transplantation of organs from a donor to recipients. Most often donors are deceased, but some organs can be donated by living donors. Deceased donors can provide the following organs: kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart, and intestines, which can be used to save the lives of as many as 8 people.