Blade Runner And Blade Runner

1599 Words4 Pages

Written with more than 200 years between them, Shelly’s and Scotts are able to create dystopic worlds, which challenge the prevailing values and perspectives of their era. In Frankenstein, Shelley writes on Romanticist reverence for nature and the sublime while Scott’s Blade Runner is a reflection of the desperate, technophilic ambition characteristic of the 1980s. In the time of production, both texts were not critically acclaimed as the audience felt alienated by the far-fetched concepts of Frankenstein and ambivalent plot of Blade runner. However what proved to be timeless was the concepts, which manifested within the varying historical/social contexts. These texts can be viewed as valuable as they explore themes, which are applicable in today’s society. Such themes include role of the father, what it means to be human and nature. These are demonstrated by the references made to contemporary philosophies and religious beliefs evident in the recurring motifs and thematic concerns.

Frankenstein was written in the liminal position at the Enlightenment Era’s end and the Romantic Era’s beginnings. Ideas such as Galvanism and the story of Genesis clashed to influence Shellys viewpoints of Man playing God. In this novel we see how Victor Frankenstein plays the role of God, but however neglects to take up that responsibility. “I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge”. The use of dramatic irony highlights Frankenstein’s error in trying to satisfy his unfulfilling desire to know the unknown; from the start of novel the reader is made aware that the constant thirst for knowledge ultimately led to his demise. By creating life he challenged God and defied the natural order. “Now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanishe...

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...time was corrupted by the influence of Industrialism and technology. This can be considered valuable as the theme relates to this day in age where the demands for technology is raising. Nature is an ever-present theme that is seen important both in the past and present hence this allowed both text to transcend their context.

Although Frankenstein and Bladerunner were written in different eras of time they both share common themes and differences, which challenge the audience of past, present and future. They challenge scientific progresses and the impact on technology through employing a large level of sympathy for both the protagonist and antagonist. Questioning whether the influence of nature or nurture leads to their demise. These views and philosophies help breakthrough the boundaries of their time and provide a deeper sense of appreciation for their value.

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