Frankenstein and Bladerunner: How Does the Representation of the Theme Reflect Context in the Two Texts?
- Submitted by: thegalah
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- Category: English
- Date Submitted: 08/01/2011 01:21 AM
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Authors of various texts bring out ideas in their work, through the themes present, which reflect the ideas and values of the era in which they were written. This is no different to the authors: Mary Shelley – of the novel ‘Frankenstein’ bringing out aspects of the Romantic Era, and Ridley Scott – of the film ‘Blade Runner’ reflecting the power hungry society of the time. Such themes common to both texts are Creation and Creator, Nature versus Nurture and the pursuit of science.
The theme creation and creator has a strong presence in both Frankenstein and Blade Runner. It explores how the creation is better than the creator, and is presented in both texts through the juxtaposition of the creator against the creation.
In Frankenstein this is presented when his creature realises that he is superior to his creator. “You are my creator, but I am your master;--obey!” This forceful, almost command-like dialogue is a comparison between the creation and his creator. It is representative of the creature ascending above the creator. It brings out Shelley’s values as it is also representative of man - the creation ascending above God - the creator. Shelley is warning against this.
Similarly in Blade Runner the superiority of the creature, Roy Batty is presented as being better than humans in every way. He has superhuman qualities: strength, intellect and finally compassion and forgiveness. Roy finally being able to accept death; a consequence imposed by his creator Tyrell, is able to forgive the bloodthirsty Deckard. Ridley’s use of juxtaposition is a link to the 1980s values of looking forward into future technology and benefiting from it.
Nature versus Nurture is another theme which is closely linked to the contexts of both Frankenstein and Blade Runner.
The Frankenstein’s creation is just like a newborn baby when he is first created, but becomes the monster when instead of nurturing him; Frankenstein runs away and abandons his creature. The creature is enraged and...
The theme creation and creator has a strong presence in both Frankenstein and Blade Runner. It explores how the creation is better than the creator, and is presented in both texts through the juxtaposition of the creator against the creation.
In Frankenstein this is presented when his creature realises that he is superior to his creator. “You are my creator, but I am your master;--obey!” This forceful, almost command-like dialogue is a comparison between the creation and his creator. It is representative of the creature ascending above the creator. It brings out Shelley’s values as it is also representative of man - the creation ascending above God - the creator. Shelley is warning against this.
Similarly in Blade Runner the superiority of the creature, Roy Batty is presented as being better than humans in every way. He has superhuman qualities: strength, intellect and finally compassion and forgiveness. Roy finally being able to accept death; a consequence imposed by his creator Tyrell, is able to forgive the bloodthirsty Deckard. Ridley’s use of juxtaposition is a link to the 1980s values of looking forward into future technology and benefiting from it.
Nature versus Nurture is another theme which is closely linked to the contexts of both Frankenstein and Blade Runner.
The Frankenstein’s creation is just like a newborn baby when he is first created, but becomes the monster when instead of nurturing him; Frankenstein runs away and abandons his creature. The creature is enraged and...