In pursuit of knowledge and technology, society begins to lose a sense of humanity. The 1818 gothic novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and 1982 science fiction film, Blade Runner directed by Ridley Scott although composed over one hundred years apart contain the same concepts on the nature of humanity. Through context and a variety of film and literary techniques both composers were able to convey their purpose of a cautionary warning about the consequences of playing God. This was achieved through the dislocation of the natural world and mans attempt to play God. The texts present a view that questions the ethics of science which progress is unchecked.
Shelley, influenced by the philosophical enquiry into human creation evident within the Romantic Movement, has shaped Frankenstein to directly explore the notion of human beings usurping the role of creator, to therefore acquire glory. Similarly, Scott draws from the role of the creator, to depict a world existing with the consequences of human beings assuming the role of creator. Shelley alludes to the biblical creation story, “…I began the creation of a human being”, to demonstrate how Victor has attempted to appropriate God’s legitimate role as creator, in order to receive glory; “a new species would bless me as its creator...”. Shelley, with the gothic elements of an irrepressible creation, biblically alludes to Adam in the creation story, “…I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel…” to present the notion that the creator has the responsibility of their creation, yet become ignorant to this because of the value placed on glory. Similarly, Blade Runner explores the notion of the creator to acquire glory, through presenting the audience with a catastrophic environment; the result of neglected responsibilities for the creation of relpicants.
However, the context inevitably shapes the values of the composer and is reflected in the way those values are presented to us. From examining 'Frankenstein' it is certainly true that Shelley has established "a deeper understanding of disruption and identity". 'Disruption' is symbolically portrayed through humankind’s relationship with nature and is exemplified through the disruption of natural order while 'identity' refers to the characteristics of humanity itself that become blurred in the text. Established in a time of great scientific advancement, ‘Frankenstein’ encapsulates the thirst for human advancement through science and the unchecked nature of these attempts through the disastrous effects of creating life. In essence, Shelley is indicating to the readers that challenging God and unchecked scientific progression brings disaster and hardship.
As a last plea to The Misfit, the grandmother attempts to manipulate his evil motives with a transcendence of religion that fails and ultimately drives him to murder her. Therein lays the story’s central conflict surrounding O’Connor’s incorporation of The Misfit as “an evil intelligence determined on its own supremacy.” A characterization of The Misfit’s history, lack
As a result of Frankenstein's reckless ambitions, he commits acts of injustice by casting away the creature and labelling it "wretched and abhorred." The creature's melancholy speech towards Frankenstein is reflective of the suicide note written by Shelley's half sister Fanny Godwin; "The existence of a being whose birth was unfortunate" and the creature "yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me." Not only is the creature's abandonment reflective of Shelley's half sister, but also of her father William Godwin's abandonment of Shelley herself. This creates skepticism, as to who is the real monster; Frankenstein or the creature? Furthermore, Scott highlights the lack of ethical and moral responsibility of the parent in Blade Runner through Tyrell and the replicants, specifically Roy Batty.
Frankenstein upon creation reveals “now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” This allows us to understand that victor in no way feels empathy or a sense of obligation towards it. This is unhuman like, instead of the natural mother figure nurturing her new born we see quite the opposite. Victor is consumed by an obsessive hatred of his creation, “I was possessed by maddening rage,” he explains. This is the turning point for the mentally human like creation. He quickly grows a negative view upon humanity.
Power & Dominance (Science and Technology) - over arching idea - everything isd linked back here and through that to the question creator and created - double-edged sword. Both Frankenstein and Blade Runner (800 words) the role of science and technology - Warning voice Context - shelley and scott portray their creators as hubristic figures who challenge the laws of nature and moral sensibilities of their time. while each of these characters alludes to promethean warnings regarding their acquisition of knowledge, there are a variety of aspects that differ and lend further dimensions of meaning........ tyrell lacks the benevolent aims for society where victor originally professes ...... unlike victor who only dreams of God like
This shows Abigails desire to belong not only to proctor but also within the community, by taking Elizabeth’s position. Thomas Putnam seeks revenge on Francis Nurse by accusing his wife, Rebecca, of murdering Ann Putnam’s babies through supernatural means. This shows us that Thomas Putnam is accusing Rebecca nurse of murdering Ann Putnam’s babies in order to feel a sense of belonging in the community and create anarchy in the community. In Act four, Reverend Hale reports that the town is in great confusion because of the hysteria, using visual images of homeless orphans wondering the streets, abandoned cattle and rotting crops, showing that no one belongs in
It is horrible to not be able to understand something and then you turn to murder and think that is the answer. In society, individuals are bullied this way. (Urged by this impulse, I seized o the boy as he passed and drew him towards me. As soon as he beheld my form, he placed his hands before his eyes, and uttered a shrill scream; I drew his hand forcibly from his face and said, “, what is the meaning of this? I do not intend to hurt you; listen to me” (Shelley 102).
From day one of conception to day of birth, the child should be deemed a living being. Abortion carries many cons, the biggest being the definition of murder. When a human being takes another adults life, they are tried for their crime. Aborting an unborn child is the same concept, but sadly not view this way by most. The child has no say in what is happening, and the worst part of the procedure is it has been proven that the fetus can feel everything that is happening to it during an abortion.