A comparative study of the theme of ambition within the texts, “Frankenstein” and “Blade Runner” enable’s a greater understanding of the different genres of the texts across time. The connection that the theme of ambition has across these two texts have enabled a much greater appreciation of the texts and as a whole, which enables the transcending of the texts from mere literary enjoyment into the realm of a study of the human psyche, nature and ambitious pursuits.
Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein and Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’ both thoroughly explore the theme of ambition in order to enhance the responder’s appreciation of each text. In Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’, Shelley uses the motif of Victor’s unrestrained ambition, as evident in the positive tone in “A new species would bless me as their creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” Which is contrasted with the gothic description in “My limbs now tremble , and my eyes swim with the remembrance; but then a resistless, and almost frantic impulse urged me forward; I seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit.” In order to convey the destructive nature it has on a person. This theme enhances the responder’s appreciation for Shelley’s warning against the dangers that ambition and technology pose
In the Movie ‘Blade Runner’ by Ridley Scott, Scott also uses the theme of unchecked ambition in order to serve a warning about the dangers of ambition and technology. He accomplishes this through the establishing shot of Tyrell’s enormous building reminiscent of an ancient Mayan Ziggurat. This convey Tyrell’s over reaching ego and this ego is what drives his ambition. This is then reinforced in Tyrell’s cold factual tone in “More human than human, that is our motto here at Tyrell”. This conveys Tyrell’s total lack of care for his creations which are a product of his overreaching ambition.