This helps us to understand that because they were using the most reliable communication technique then the information in the letters would seem reliable. Shelly also expresses her concern with the increased curiosity amongst divine power through the character of Victor. “I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation”. This reflects preoccupation of enlightenment ideas about creation. This fear about man’s curiosity was driven by the increasing occurrence of science and curiosity throughout her life such as the creation of a mechanical duck in 1738 which was evident of the romantic and gothic periods of the 19th century.
This statement was proven to be precise. Eugenicists helped to understand genetics and traits of humans while Frankenstein provided theories for new scientific practices. Conversely, both works brought more negative effects and situations than positive, even though either one was initially intended to do so. Both provided reason to believe that along with new scientific frontiers, also comes new sought out problems which could occur delivering the notion that new technology should be used with great care and a sense of
The governing authorities again like to use culturally significant figures in the tales of innovation and invention and discovery. Even with such advanced politics and thought, a class distinction still persisted, and though they had seen the benefit of all this technology, there were those in the upper class who felt it was beneath them to use such tools in any way. T Innovation was of great value to both the Han and Romans. The Han placed a higher attribution to culturally relevant creators. For example, Huan Tan, an upper-class Han philosopher wrote in New Discourses (Document III) of an emperor of myth inventing and refining the pestle and mortar for all people.
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.
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.
From the opening letters of the novel Walton comes across as extremely ambitious and determined to ‘tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man’. The reader is also made aware of how dangerous Walton’s expedition is as from the very first paragraph it is associated in the reader’s mind with words such as ‘disaster’ and ‘evil forebodings’. Thus, once Frankenstein is introduced in the story, the reader can see how similar the two characters are, as Frankenstein also wants to ‘pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers’. The parallels between the two characters show to the reader that Frankenstein’s story is not just a “one off” but that it could happen again; therefore forcing the reader to take note of the message of his story more seriously. Frankenstein also realises this and so feels he has to tell his story so as to stop Walton making the same mistakes that he has; hoping that he will ‘deduce an apt moral from my tale’.
Although texts are often constructed to reflect the values and ideas prevalent in their composer’s society, evolutionary relationships may exist between two texts, presenting similar issues, governed by the same values and perspectives. This is evident in Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein, and Ridley Scott’s film noir Blade Runner, which both present parallel themes of the exploration of humanity, man’s connection to the natural world, and the danger of uninhibited pursuits of knowledge. The epistolary form of Frankenstein, and the metanarratives within Blade Runner, allow audiences to balance perceptions and formulate ideas, ensuring that despite being written in different times, audiences can appreciate contrasting values, while simultaneously
Tyrell: Also extraordinary things, Revel in your time. The irresponsible nature evident in Tyrell through his mere experiments and goals of prosperity was used as a caution to the audience of the time as these were highly sought after objectives of the time and were deemed hazardous by Scott. Parallels can be drawn in both Frankenstein and Blade Runner , If new life can be created through advancements and discoveries as such, how is one human or not. This theme is recurringly penetratingly enquired in Shelley’s Frankenstein. The monster is physically appalling but experiences human feelings.
In what ways has the comparative study of Frankenstein and Blade Runner enhanced your understanding of the interaction between humanity and nature? The comparative study of ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelly and ‘Blade Runner- Directors Cut’ by Ridley Scott explores many aspects of the interaction between humanity and nature. As we compare the two texts we gain thorough insight into what the composers are trying to portray. In ‘Frankenstein’ Shelly communicates the idea that during such context, humanity’s desire to triumph nature was only just beginning therefore the affects are less intense, however in the much later context we see in ‘Blade Runner’ Scott further demonstrates the affect of what happens to society when humanity continues to advance
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.