Moral Issues In Frankenstein And Blade Runner

While all texts originate from the imagination of their composer, they explore and address human issues present in their respective contexts. This is the case with Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel Frankenstein (1818) which draws upon the human concern of Romantic egotism in the romantic era whereas Ridley Scott’s film Blade Runner (1992) has been heavily influenced by technological advancement during the 1980s. Despite there being over 150 years between their compositions both these texts explore penetration of nature and societies obsessed with the Machiavellian pursuit of science and technology. Due to each composers various problematic human concerns within their time, they build each other’s codas of the moral implications of the attainment

of knowledge and ultimately portray this within their respective text.
The enduring human concerns presented in both the texts of Frankenstein and Blade Runner is the consequences stemming from unrestrained scientific progress.

In Frankenstein, Shelley’s portrayal of Victor’s pursuit for the so-called “essence of life” is reflective of influential Romantic notions present during the early 19th century, especially in regards to the concept of reconstructing reality through human imagination and scientific prowess. She further alludes to the recent discoveries of Galvanism which posited the belief that bodies could be “reanimated” forming the central complication of the narrative. An example of this is Victor’s lamentation of his exploits to Captain Walton during the novel’s inception. He asserts to Walton that “I hope that the gratification of your wishes will not be a serpent to sting as mine has been”, the dramatic irony present foreshadows his eventual downfall while exemplifying the ensuing grief and ramifications he suffers. Furthermore the mention of a “serpent” is an allusion to Milton’s Paradise Lost, highlighting the destitute of Victor creating his own “devil” as a result of his pursuit for scientific achievement. Blade Runner further enforces this thematic concern while supplementing Shelley’s warning, despite being composed during a different context. The

opening panoramic shot that establishes Blade Runner’s backdrop highlights the abhorrent weather and artificial atmosphere present throughout Deckard’s surrounding environment because of scientific advancement. This is symbolic of the policies of Reaganomics specifically on its libertarian approach to big businesses and corporations that is reflected in the high rise complexes seen in the shot. It is also encapsulates elements of cold war paranoia especially in terms of thermonuclear war and ensuing climatic disturbance present in the opening scene. The mise-en-scene present during the establishing shot captures scenes of violence and pyramidal structures, evoking a sense of chaos and a deeply elitist hierarchal society borne from technological leaps and the subsequent corporatisation of daily life as a result.
Frankenstein’s foray into the restorative power of nature gives great insight into the experience of people, particularly Romantics, during Shelley’s time.

The texts exploration of this theme is no doubt a result of Shelley’s strong romantic influences surrounded by noted Romantics such as her husband Percy Shelley, she would often trek into the countryside and immerge herself within nature. Victor displays similar behaviour in the novel when he retreats to nature following his creation of the monster and uses descriptive and connotative language in his words “It was a divine spring and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence”, thereby elucidating nature’s healing ability. However, it is not simply Victor who appreciates nature’s ability to rejuvenate, epistolary form of the narrative provides the reader with three separate views that of victory the Monster and Walton and it is clear each character shares similar sentiments towards nature. For example, the monster personifies nature by stating “I gradually saw plainly the clear stream that supplied me with drink and the trees that shaded me with their foliage”. Here nature is presented as a caring entity, which is reflective of how Romantics perceived it. Similarly, before undertaking his expedition, Walton uses pleasurable imagery to describe how “a gold northern breeze… fills me with delight”. These favourable perceptions of nature illustrate Shelley’s fondness towards nature and allow readers to understand part

of the human experience at the time as it was influenced by nature. Conversely, Blade Runner’s portrayal of nature is driven more by the director’s opinion for the possible loss of nature and illustrates societies fear for its future. The policies of President Reagan had resulted in an Industrial boom but had also contributed to environmental disasters most notable the greenhouse effect. The Green Movement raised questions regarding the potential long-term effects of deforestation and pollution. Scott, a supporter of this movement, mirrors humanity’s concern by attempting to warn society of its possible future by highlighting nature’s demise. In the film, nature is virtually non-existent which is in stark contrast to “Frankenstein” in which nature pervades the entire book, restoring and reinvigorating the characters. At the onset of the film, the music is artificially synthesised and lacks a natural rhythm, contributing to the unnatural feel of the city. In fact, one of the few appearances of nature is in the unicorn dream, rendering it mythical and unattainable. While Shelley emphasises nature’s monumental importance by excessively describing it, Scott conceals its very existence in an attempt to illustrate is potential destruction. These portrayals of nature allow viewers to deduce the human concerns for nature during the time of the authors.
In conclusion, both “Frankenstein” and “Blade Runner” offer insights into the human experiences and concerns through their exploration of the themes of the importance of nature and the perils of science and technology. By considering the reasons behind the inclusion of these themes, responders can become aware of the values and concerns during the time of the composer and its effect on society.