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
This pursuit of knowledge and progress is not unlike that of the Nazi regime. Composed post WWII, the film also holds totalitarian overtones represented through Tyrell’s creation of a creature “more human than human” and Chew’s blindness to the ethical ramifications and moral obligations of his work (“I only do eyes”) in creating the eyes of the new human race (i.e. the future). Furthermore, Scott hints at the regressive nature of science through the interwoven elements of film noir and science fiction. The film also shows façades of twinkling, awe-inspiring lights with corrupt, dirty
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.
Frankenstein and Bladerunner challenges the notions of “men of genius” and raises the critical concern of the dangers of obtaining and acting upon scientific knowledge. It questions how these men of genius can allow themselves to free reign to experiment and interfere with the mysteries of life itself. This can be seen as a ‘Prometheus linking’ motif as both scientists Victor and Tyrrell strive for perfection and are unconcerned with the
It keeps posing questions such as, “What does it mean to be a monster” or “What does it mean to be human?”. The irony in Blade Runner is the blade runners (supposedly humans) act in an inhumane manner, “retiring” replicants due to their developments of human characteristics. Where as Roy (a replicant) performs a great act of mercy, sparing Deckard’s life. Roy appears “…more human than human…” (Tyrell Corporations motto) in his empathy and compassion. While in Frankenstein the creature’s fate is chosen with his appearance and societies prejudice.
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
Through the characterisation of Victor Frankenstein, Shelley explores the concerns of the two prominent socio-cultural ideologies of her own context. Victor by his very essence is a symbol of the scientific pursuit and discovery for knowledge and society playing with powers beyond human understanding in the enlightenment period; this reflecting the paranoia and concern of gothic romantics. Victor, challenging established values of the enlightenment period, attempts to “pursue nature to her hiding-places” and “learn the hidden laws of nature”. This is reflective of the lack of boundaries that industrialization and the enlightenment period were to bring according to romantics. Victor’s use of religious connotations when discussing his hubristic ambition and thirst for knowledge, is representative of the contextual fear that scientific advances will remove societal values of religion and the sublime.
It is these obsessions of love, hate and fame that eventually destroy Frankenstein and defeats Walton. Throughout the story Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with the creation of life, and the fame it would bestow upon him, and Walton is obsessed
So, Victor Frankenstein was guilty as he created the creature, and left him alone. Victor caused Frankenstein’s monstrous appearance and his appearance resulted in misunderstandings about the creature. The main point is that the guilty one of these misunderstandings, the creature’s appearance and his exclusion from society was Victor Frankenstein, the creator. Particularly by focusing on the given passages 15, 16, and19, I will try to show how far away Victor is from humanity. Before Frankenstein creates the creature, Frankenstein goes graveyards to collect dead body parts with an aim to accomplish his ambition.
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