Essay Comparing Frankenstein And Blade Runner

The acquirement of knowledge, and the progress of technology devoid of ethical and moral influence, destructively impact upon humanity’s core. This distinct yearning to succeed has led to the evolution of technology and the devolution of humanity. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly composed in 1818, and film Blade Runner directed by Ridley Scott in 1982, demonstrate the above notions. A comparative study of these texts reveals that, despite the fact that the moulded both works, the contextual anxieties embedded within each text consisting of the degradation of nature and humanity as a result of science are ultimately identical. These links are reinforced though the use of literary allusions and film techniques focusing on the tensions associated

In the late eighteenth century, Luigi Galvani discovered the potential of electricity to reanimate dead matter. The nouns, “electricity,” and, “galvanism,” are referenced in the novel, “the theory which he had formed on the subject of electricity and galvanism…was at once astonishing and new to me,” exemplifying the scientific discovery from the text’s context. Reanimation of the dead was perceived by Shelley as unnatural, and through the negative ambience with which she surrounds this idea; Shelley warns against the scientific violation of nature. In the novel, there is a repetition of the dramatic verb, “penetrate,” for example, “[scientists] penetrate into the recesses of nature.” This verb signifies Victor’s violation of the natural world, and therefore his lack of humanity to a romantically invested society. Through the harmful tone with which Shelley surrounds the negative powers of science, she illustrates the anxiety that nature will face

The film’s context was in the midst of environmental tragedies as a result of science. For example, global corporation became strong influences on an economy similar to Tyrell Corporation which contributes to environmental devastation. The opening extreme long shot highlights that manmade colossal structures overwhelm the landscape and there are no natural elements. Scott employs a dark mise-en-scene punctuated only with minimal light that is only from artificial sources. The rain is a visual metaphor used repeatedly to suggest that nature is mourning by its destruction by humanity. Scott reflects the negative power of multi-national corporations to demonstrate that valuing science destroys nature. However, societal values in the twenty-first century realise how fragile the environment is in which these texts have warned