Similarities Between Frankenstein And Bladerunner
The novel ‘Frankenstein’, written by Mary Shelley (1818), and Ridley Scott’s film ‘Bladerunner’ (1982), are both texts that address and thoroughly explore the issue of the role of science and technology in society and how it impacts the human race. Although they were composed in different eras, both texts were composed under the influence of industrial, scientific and technological revolution. Both ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Bladerunner’ address the issue of how science and technological advancements, such as Galvanism, have given humans the ability to create artificial life and act as ‘God’. As life is created, the question of ‘what actually is human’ arises, and as the relationships between creator and creation are seen, audiences are made to reflect
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The 19th century was a period known as the Enlightenment Era, which encouraged rational thought and science was pursued in search for the unknown. In reaction to the clinical nature of enlightenment, the Romantic Movement was born encouraging society, particularly authors, to use their imaginations and exploring the endless possibilities of nature. Shelley composed ‘Frankenstein’ in response to both of these eras and is reflected by the way the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, combines his obsession with natural philosophy and his desire to achieve more than any other scientist, and use science to break the barriers of nature and create life. His desire is evident when he quotes “one thought, one conception, one purpose” and “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, pour a torrent of light into our dark world.” Other issues at the time of composure were the Industrial Revolution, where technology boomed leading to humans being replaced by machines, and the rise of Galvanism, where through electricity, life could be given to inanimate objects. Galvanism directly link to ‘Frankenstein’, as it is believed that is how he was brought to life. “I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of …show more content…
The abandonment and of rejection of the creature forces him to lose faith in the human race and swear revenge on Victor. “Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turn from me in disgust?” and “You were my father… to whom could I apply with more fitness then to him who had given me life… unfeeling, heartless creator!” In Bladerunner, Tyrell was naïve in only giving the Nexus 6 replicants a four year life span, which led the rogue replicants, Roy, Leon, Pris and Zhora back to Earth to request modification. Upon meeting with Roy, Tyrell refers to him as “the prodigal son”. Opposed to Frankenstein, Tyrell was proud of his creation, Roy, as he was the supreme model of all
The 19th century was a period known as the Enlightenment Era, which encouraged rational thought and science was pursued in search for the unknown. In reaction to the clinical nature of enlightenment, the Romantic Movement was born encouraging society, particularly authors, to use their imaginations and exploring the endless possibilities of nature. Shelley composed ‘Frankenstein’ in response to both of these eras and is reflected by the way the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, combines his obsession with natural philosophy and his desire to achieve more than any other scientist, and use science to break the barriers of nature and create life. His desire is evident when he quotes “one thought, one conception, one purpose” and “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, pour a torrent of light into our dark world.” Other issues at the time of composure were the Industrial Revolution, where technology boomed leading to humans being replaced by machines, and the rise of Galvanism, where through electricity, life could be given to inanimate objects. Galvanism directly link to ‘Frankenstein’, as it is believed that is how he was brought to life. “I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of …show more content…
The abandonment and of rejection of the creature forces him to lose faith in the human race and swear revenge on Victor. “Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turn from me in disgust?” and “You were my father… to whom could I apply with more fitness then to him who had given me life… unfeeling, heartless creator!” In Bladerunner, Tyrell was naïve in only giving the Nexus 6 replicants a four year life span, which led the rogue replicants, Roy, Leon, Pris and Zhora back to Earth to request modification. Upon meeting with Roy, Tyrell refers to him as “the prodigal son”. Opposed to Frankenstein, Tyrell was proud of his creation, Roy, as he was the supreme model of all