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.
Compare how the treatment of similar content in a pair of texts composed in different times and contexts may reflect changing values and perceptives. Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley and Blade Runner directed by Ridley Scott, both reflect the period industrially, socially and the technological revolution surrounding the time composition. Frankenstein and Blade Runner are products of their time with the values and ideas they represent and are understood within the historical context in which they were composed. Both texts explore and question various aspects of humanity, creation, nature, science and technology via a wide range of techniques characteristic to their medium of production. Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley in 1818,
How has context affected the treatment of the concepts of nature and transgression in the texts under study? Although written almost two centuries apart, both Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Bladerunner by Ridley Scott are products of their respective times. Multiple parallels can be drawn between the two texts including the significance and transgression of the natural world and natural order, the questioning of the human condition and the nature of humanity. While both texts can be said to be a product of their time, by drawing on numerous aspects of their respective contexts, what makes them significant is their exploration into ideas that continue to be prevalent in the 21st century. Nature often holds revitalising and sublime qualities
Context affects our perceptions of how the texts are received over time. How has your understanding of Frankenstein and Blade Runner been influenced by knowledge of context? Over periods of time, the reception of texts varies as a result of historical events and changing schools of thought. Knowledge of context is crucial in perceiving and understanding the texts Frankenstein and Blade Runner, and to also appreciate their value as didactic tales. Common thematic concerns that run throughout both texts include science, retribution and monstrosity.
Consequently, the ethics of humanity is challenged through these creators in both texts as they express the contextual concerns such as post-industrialism and greed. Shelley exhibits both nature and nurture in “Frankenstein”. The importance of nature is illustrated through the use of imagery. Victor states - “These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving.” His surroundings control his emotions. This point of view is formed by Shelley’s experience of Romantic Idealism and sublimity.
Blade Runner Essay Question: In what ways does a comparative study accentuate the distinctive contexts of Frankenstein and Blade Runner? Answer: Through texts composers have been able to highlight and examine key ideas relative to their specific context. A text has the ability to bring to the forefront its contextual ideas in a engaging manner. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein the context is highlighted through 19th century ideas of Gothicism and Romanticism in an entertaining but concerning manner. Additionally, Ridley Scott’s feature film Blade Runner depicts a dystopian world devastated by capitalism, greed and technology which were primary concerns in the context of the 1980’s.
Shelley warns the audience that we, as the creators, must take care of our surroundings or the outcomes could be fatal. These warnings continue to resonate with 21st century audiences, and it seems that the warnings are almost more important today, in an age of environmental breakdown and the use of nature as a commodity. Shelley also examines the moral responsibility of the scientist, and how far humans can go in their quest to be the creators. This moral responsibility is also examined in Scott’s Blade Runner. In Frankenstein, the ideas of cloning and the ability of human science has only started to catch on with small numbers of scientists such as Frankenstein, whereas in Blade Runner the human ability to create and control has manifested itself on a global, corporate scale.
As a consequence of time, the world continues to change technologically, socially, and scientifically. As do the common values and perspectives of man. Illustrations of this notion are exhibited through Mary Shelley’s novel, “Frankenstein” (1818) and Ridley Scott’s sci-fi film “Blade Runner” (1982) Both texts succeed in address contemporary issues at the time of their release such as what is humanity?, the consequences of assuming the role of God and the effects of scientific and technological advancement on society and nature . Both Shelley and Scott compose their works in a bid to warn people of the advancements at the time. This is done through provoking individuals to question and criticise the ethics and principles upheld in
Although sharing little in setting or premise, the texts Frankenstein and Blade Runner share many of the same concerns as they both challenge the values and morals of the societies in which they were set, most notably the notion of what it means to be human, as well as articulating the composers' critique of the advancement in science and technology. Both texts also exhibit the consequences of imprudent creation and the hubris of an individual to rise above and disrupt the natural order. Written in the eighteen hundreds by aggrieved writer Mary Shelley, the novel Frankenstein presents readers with a Romanticist perspective of technology ‘dehumanizing’ mankind as society was not made clear of their indistinct boundaries. Through Victor’s regression, “I, the true murderer, felt the never dying worm alive in my bosom”, the symbols of the ‘worm’ explore the downfall in
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.