Texts entail values proportional to their milieu. Composers of each era analyze and inquire the potential consequences of what their societies deem as progress. Composers Mary Shelley and Roy Batty, in their respective texts, Frankenstein, a gothic-based epistolary novel, and Bladerunner, a post-modern sci-fi film, both stand as prophetic warnings to humanity, invigorated by their thirst for knowledge and subversion of moral conduct. Both texts recognize the change in contexts, reflecting a change in values.
In a period of post-enlightenment and the advent of Galvanism we perceive Shelley’s concern with ‘mans’ progress [frankensteins quote on how dangerous is man .. ]. This is discerned through Frankenstein’s behavior [his demeanor and arrogant attitude]; we witness him challenge the established values of his time. Ignoring the potential consequences of his actions, experimenting for the sensation of success, Shelley condemns him through his lack of civility “I true murderer, I felt the never dying worm alive in my bosom”, use of ‘worm’ exemplifies his deterioration in humanity, initiated by his ambition for omnipotence. Science and humanity play a significant role in the text. Shelley’s concern with the boundaries of human endeavor and science is present in all corners of her novel. She perceives the prelusion of technology as ‘dehumanizing’, her fear for the unknown, arising from a Romanticist perspective. If there is an inconsistency of science and nature, it will lead to dire consequences[insert quote about the downfall of victor]. Therefore we see the impacts of blind ambition towards science, leading to the deterioration of humanity, a message Shelley was ambitious to send to the readers.
The subversion of creator and creation is clearly evident