Society refers to the functional co-existence of individuals, encompassing their collective beliefs, thoughts and actions. In this way it can be seen that an individual and society are not distinct of each other, but are rather engaged in a mutually dependent relationship. A comparative analysis of Mary Shelley’s 1818 post-industrial epistolary novel Frankenstein and Ridley Scott’s 1982 post-modern science fiction film Blade Runner, brings light upon similar social critiques presented within both texts, influencing individuals across varying contextual backdrops to consequently question their own relationship with their society. The common literary themes existent within these contextually disparate worlds remind individuals of their inherent responsibility to maintain ethical practices, in order to preserve the element of humanity within their society. Audiences of both contexts are provided an opportunity to explore their own relationship with their society by viewing the commentary that both Frankenstein and Blade Runner present in their themes of moral obligation and dehumanisation.
Mary Shelley advocates the innate moral responsibility common to all individuals through the character of Victor in Frankenstein, influencing individuals of the Romantic era to consider future impacts of their actions on society. Contextually, the Romantic movement emerged as an opposing force to rigid social constructs of the Enlightenment, and is typified through Victor’s ambitious attitude and disrespect for the ethical guidelines common to all humans. Before giving life to his creation, Victor recalls “It was on a dreary night of November, that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils”. Gothic elements of melancholic visual imagery foreshadow the significant social repercussions that will be brought on by Victor’s disregard of the duty to consider the ethics of his actions. Victor goes on to exemplify his irresponsibility when he states, “Unable to endure the aspect of the...