Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Ridley Scott’s Blade runner although situated over one hundred years apart, both explore similar ideas and themes during these eras. In Frankenstein the power of human knowledge through use of science in the 18th Century challenges traditional concepts of the relationship of man with his creator and the natural boundaries, adeptly represented by the creation of the monster. Blade runner is situated in the post industrial age and relates the increase in power amongst individuals by technology, resulting in human actions that lead to extinction of nature and to the downfall of society. These texts make the reader question their own beliefs of society and raise the question as to where our future lies.
A central theme in both texts is the quest for knowledge or power and the possible harm to mankind when natural boundaries are crossed in order to succeed. In Frankenstein, Victor the modern Prometheus, is obsessed with resurrecting the dead and ends up creating a monster from corpses. The danger of challenging natural law becomes evident when he realises that his own creation is a danger to him and those dear to him and he has to destroy the other monster he is creating. His thoughts about his creation are now filled ‘forever with the bitterest remorse’ and concern that ‘she may become ten thousand times more malignant’. The monster takes on a god complex and calls Victor, his creator, ‘slave’ and says ‘you are my creator, but I am your monster- obey! Captain Richard Walton also attempts to surpass previous exploration and his quest for knowledge also proves dangerous when his ship gets stuck in ice. Dr Eldon Tyrell, in Blade runner abuses technology and exhibits the resultant power and control without compassion or consideration for others. Tyrell is paralleled to Frankenstein, as he strives to manipulate humanity while playing God and creates human replicants. Scott shows the power of the ‘corporate giant’ with Tyrell’s main...