Frankenstein & Bladerunner
Frankenrunner Final Notes
Context
Frankenstein
Bladerunner
1818
Romanticism – rejection of the Enlightenment, celebration of nature and creativity
Galvanism, electricity, genetic engineering
Locke, Rousseau – blank slate theories
Wollstonecraft – feminism
Godwin – criminalisation of the mind
Shelley’s parents were radical idealists, brought up in a high minded household.
1982
Globalisation
Consumerism/capitalism
Environmental degradation (starting from Rachel Carson’s 1961 ‘Silent Spring’)
Scientific development – genetically modified crops, gene splicing
Technological development – more available PCs, information technology
Cold war – nuclear threat
Preserving natural order – making sure science doesn’t overthrow nature and its rhythms
Frankenstein
Bladerunner
Frankenstein’s obsession with his scientific work leads to ‘deep, dark and deathlike solitude’ – alliteration emphasises Shelley’s disapproval of his situation, wants to warn readers against it.
It is noted that he is ashamed and disgusted of what he is doing but continues regardless – “often did my human nature turn with loathing from my occupation, whilst, still urged on by an eagerness which perpetually increased, I brought my work near to a conclusion.’
The beauties of summer no longer arouse him - for a romantic author this is the ultimate denial of humanity - 'my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature'
Influenced by scientific discovery of the period
Galvanism and discovery of electricity
Shelley’s novel warns the scientists of the time by questioning the consequences of unlimited scientific discovery
“You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; I... hope that the gratification of your wishes will not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.” Forewarning the dangers of knowledge. Milton: “Know to know no more.”
Scott warns of the oncoming depletion of society as a result of unrestrained capitalism, consumerism and globalisation.
Mass corporate
Context
Frankenstein
Bladerunner
1818
Romanticism – rejection of the Enlightenment, celebration of nature and creativity
Galvanism, electricity, genetic engineering
Locke, Rousseau – blank slate theories
Wollstonecraft – feminism
Godwin – criminalisation of the mind
Shelley’s parents were radical idealists, brought up in a high minded household.
1982
Globalisation
Consumerism/capitalism
Environmental degradation (starting from Rachel Carson’s 1961 ‘Silent Spring’)
Scientific development – genetically modified crops, gene splicing
Technological development – more available PCs, information technology
Cold war – nuclear threat
Preserving natural order – making sure science doesn’t overthrow nature and its rhythms
Frankenstein
Bladerunner
Frankenstein’s obsession with his scientific work leads to ‘deep, dark and deathlike solitude’ – alliteration emphasises Shelley’s disapproval of his situation, wants to warn readers against it.
It is noted that he is ashamed and disgusted of what he is doing but continues regardless – “often did my human nature turn with loathing from my occupation, whilst, still urged on by an eagerness which perpetually increased, I brought my work near to a conclusion.’
The beauties of summer no longer arouse him - for a romantic author this is the ultimate denial of humanity - 'my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature'
Influenced by scientific discovery of the period
Galvanism and discovery of electricity
Shelley’s novel warns the scientists of the time by questioning the consequences of unlimited scientific discovery
“You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; I... hope that the gratification of your wishes will not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.” Forewarning the dangers of knowledge. Milton: “Know to know no more.”
Scott warns of the oncoming depletion of society as a result of unrestrained capitalism, consumerism and globalisation.
Mass corporate