How do the texts you have studied explore the notions of freedom and responsibility? Both Frankenstein and Bladerunner explore the moral implications of usurping the role of God with unrestrained scientific experimentation.

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“With freedom comes responsibility”

How do the texts you have studied explore the notions of freedom and responsibility?

Both Frankenstein and Bladerunner explore the moral implications of usurping the role of God with unrestrained scientific experimentation. Both texts portray characters with predominately selfish motivation that leaves them blind to the consequences of the result of their irresponsible experimentation. Whilst Shelly centres her text on the thirst for knowledge, Scott focuses on the dangers of technological advancements driven by profit.

Scott presents a world in Bladerunner in which science has emerged as a “new religion” with God being replaced by the techno-capitalist. Scott lived in a time of rapid technological growth that was driven by profit. Businesses and multi-national co operations that focused solely on enormous profits as well as developments in genetic engineering gave rise to much consumerism and greed. The character of Dr Tyrell is an embodiment of the large companies’ irresponsible obsession with profit.

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Tyrell displays a scientific hubris, not unlike that of Victor Frankenstein, although Tyrell’s actions are fuelled by his profit driven postmodern era. The mise en scene of Tyrell’s bedroom reveals much symbolism of Tyrell as a God-like figure through his bedroom and living quarters baring resemblance to a Pope’s bedroom or classical temple. Scott continues this notion of usurping God’s role by the biblical allusion of Tyrell being referred as “the maker” and the “God of biomechanics”. Furthermore, Scott creates and eye motif to amplify more the dire consequences of unrestricted scientific development. Tyrell’s large and excessively thick glasses are ...

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