Compare how TWO prescribed texts you have studied explore the tension between humanity and the natural world.

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Compare how TWO prescribed texts you have studied explore the tension between humanity and the natural world.

        The notion of a ‘natural world’ is one that suggests an environment that has been formed by nature; growing spontaneously, uncultivated and undergoing natural rhythms that emerge periodically. It is this natural world that incorporates flora and fauna. However, the dominant species in this setting is not the human race; rather, it is the natural environment that embraces humans as a part of its habitat. This theme is unequivocal in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” (BNW) and Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner – The Directors Cut” (BR) as both texts examine the interplay between nature and humanity. The natural environment and the conflict purported with humanity explored in BNW and BL must be examined in correlation to not only the physical habitat, but also as a social issue.

        Aldous Huxley composed BNW in 1932 following the aftermath of World War I. As a result, Huxley’s context reflects many historical and social perceptions that were apparent in his period. BNW satirises cynical visions envisaged by totalitarian parties; exposing flaws and dangers that deny the fundamental aspects of humanity and individual freedoms, allowing the natural world to be obliterated.

Similar to Huxley, Ridley Scott’s BL (1982) presents a futuristic world that has been significantly affected by the progress of technology. However, this dystopian projection contrasts to Huxley’s world as he examines an environment that has been completely deteriorated at the hands of humanity. Scott’s tension exists as a reflection of the rapid technological advancement occurring during the 1980’s.The Asian motif that is seen in the movie, epitomised by the giant billboard of the Asian woman, illustrates the rise of Asian economies, known as the Asian Tigers. Commercialism was another motif that is prevalent and is indicative of the subsuming role of the government as large multinationals become very influential.

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Both texts employ a variety of techniques appropriate to genre so as to illustrate the theme of a tension between humanity and the natural world. In order to create the appearance of reality and allow responders to believe in the possibility of such a world, Huxley employs extensive jargon in science, psychology and technology. This supplements the use of figurative language that also bears numerous literary, historical and biblical allusions to create a sense of authenticity - thereby reinforcing the notion that the populace has been a product of an uncongenial technology.

Similarly, Scott uses a variety of film ...

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