Whilst the attraction of luxuriating in the dark side of the human condition is undeniably strong in Gothic texts it must also be acknowledged that Gothic texts provide considerable insights into humanity. Discuss the above with reference to one prose core text and one related text of your own choosing. Gothic texts encompass the ability to convey the fear that underpins the human psyche in many contexts, with particular relevance to societal concerns and anxieties. Although concerns vary throughout different time periods, those confronted within texts often consist of universal themes and ideas that can be translated through different generations. Brahm Stoker’s “Dracula” highlights concerns prevalent within the Victorian era, shown through characters, symbols and themes throughout the novel.
Analyse how Frankenstein and Blade Runner imaginatively portray individuals who challenge the established values of time. Within both texts, there are components of individual who challenge the traditional values of the time. Throughout the novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley and the film 'Blade Runner' directed by Ridley Scott, they both provide context and relevant issues revolving about science and humans that relate to specific issues appropriate to their time. During 1816, when ‘Frankenstein’ was written, most people believe there was a logical answer to every question, this inspired Shelley characters and main themes throughout. However to answer the Frankenstein was seeking, more questions about ethic and more were uncovered.
Whilst texts may be fictitious constructs of the composer’s imagination, when created, they also reflect the ideas and values of that era. This is clearly the case in Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’. However, despite the different times and contexts of which these two texts were composed, both Shelley and Scott have crafted texts that explore similar content and that warn us of the dire consequences of the desire for omnipotence and unrestrained scientific progress. It’s these concepts and their enduring appeal through the centuries that suggest they are universal themes, linking the texts through time. ‘Frankenstein’ reflects directly the context in which it was written.
The multifaceted nature of humanity is revealed in both Mary Shelly’s novel Frankenstein as well as in Ridely Scott’s film blade runner. Despite the dissimilarity in time between the two, both texts essentially mirror each other, in effectively delving into the themes in which society was faced with. Together, both Ridley Scott and Mary shelly explore the repercussions that could come of growing scientific advancements that consequently slowly destroyed any concept of nature through out the 19th century, which brought about a rebellion against the concept of romanticism throughout that era. Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein unambiguously investigates the sublime in nature. Throughout Shelly’s era the notion of romanticism was highly influential
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.
One can infer that there are a multitude of reasons, but topping the list would have to be curiosity. The thirst for knowledge is what drives people to try and create something new and unseen. This inquisitiveness is seen in history, but it is also carried into fiction. Examples of this officiousness are demonstrated twice in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, by both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Another real-life example can be seen in the settlers during the colonization of America.
Since the time Francis Galton coined the term “Nature vs. Nurture” there has been theories and debates about each side. The debate is focused around the determining or causing factors of the differences in physical and behavioral traits within a human. Nature takes the role of the individual’s innate qualities while nurture bases itself upon personal experiences. Romantic literature is characterized by an emphasis on emotion, passion, and the natural world and gothic novels liked to play with the dark side of human nature and frailty. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein shows elements of both aforementioned and woefully shows humans in nature and human nature.
• Feminist critics are especially interested in issues concerning women’s culture. Also, they insist on the autobiographical side of the story, especially on the centrality of the act of giving birth. • An intertextual reading of the novel reveals echoes of several romantic poems, of various authors. It is a well-established notion that references to other texts add to the meaning of the work in question. In other words, if you consider ‘The Rime’ as a hypotext (= underlying text) to Frankenstein, your understanding of the novel may be enriched thanks to suggestion from Coleridge’s
Book Title: Metamorphosis Author: Franz Kafka Translated by: Willa and Edwin Muir Comment: This is the shortest but yet the most classical novella I have ever read. I am now attempting to digest and understand what Kafka was getting at with this story. Anyhow, what happened to Gregor is really a tragedy. His family members, especially his sister and father, treat him so cold after the transformation. Soon his abilities, tastes, and interests begin to change.
In the novel and in the film, there are many differences in the character, Dr. Victor Frankenstein. In the novel Frankenstein wants to create life because he is infatuated with the idea of doing what hasn’t been done before. When the creation finally comes alive, Frankenstein is proud, but shortly after the creations “birth” he finds it hideous and scary: “His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! - Great God!