The impacts of science on social order. Flashcards
What are the points for the introduction that I want to make?
Both authors critique fundamentalism of any kind:
Frankenstein: in his unbridled pursuit of science overlooks the importance of the individual, as well as ethical concern
- follows science in a doctrinal way, permeates all aspects of his life= seen as his religion
Humphry Davy= ‘unbridled powers’ - with the horror ensued by Frankenstein’s scientific discovery= need for removal from passion
- not anti-science tract= demonstration of the need for caution at the brink of the unknown
THT: Horrific depiction of science in the past, Atwood speculates the effects of contemporary aspects of technology and science- birth control and nuclear power
- following by the takeover by an oppressive regime of strict religion that denies science, we are supposed to view science favourably- as rational alternative
insertion of aspects of present day reality works to authenticate the tales
What is the distinction I want to make in the introduction?
In Frankenstein the effects of science are more explicitly malign, whereas the role played by science is more ambiguous as is both positive and negative. In THT the corrupting effects of science facilitate a takeover by an oppressive regime.
What is the topic sentence and comparisons for point 1?
1.) Consequentialism: Religion and Science
Both novels present the symbiotic relationship of science and religion, reacting against each other, but integral to the other’s existence
Frankenstein:
-‘ the labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely fail ever in ultimately turning to the advantage of mankind’
RETROSPECTIVE NARRATIVE GAZE: Frankenstein attempts to justify his actions, cannot fully acknowledge them as wrong
- biblical lexis= Context= dwindling role played by religion in 19th Century society
- Context: Humphry Davy
THT:
- ‘You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. We thought we could do better. Better I ask, how can he think this is better. Better never means better for everyone, he says. It always means worse for some’
Retrospectively justifies their actions
Context: rise of right wing fundamentalism: Reagan
What is the topic sentence and comparisons for point 2?
the dangers of the attempt for human perfection and immortality:
HORROR and Gothic element of ‘Cadaver’
F: ‘life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light onto our dark world. A new creature would bless me as its creator and its source’
Context: Romanticism and human perfectibility in Rousseau’s ‘Discourse on Inequality’
Context: Hubris of Greek tragedy
THT: ‘Hanged on hooks… seeped blood… smile of blood’
- ‘Gilead’ = irony of what claims to be Utopia is an aspect of the dystopian genre
Context: USSR and use of terror by oppressive regime
both use horror
What are the quotes and comparison for point 3?
3.) distortion of the nuclear family because of the misuse of science
F: creation burns Delacey family home
Context: Shelley is profoundly interested in conventional nuclear family because of her lack of mother- Baxter family
nightmare: ‘imprinted her lips… became livid with the hue of death… grave worms crawling in the folds’
Context: Oedipus complex
Comparison: more disturbing and horrific in Frankenstein= Shelley’s own horrific experiences of motherhood
THT: ‘commander’ ‘wife’ ‘handmaid’
- ‘birthing ritual’ - distortion as is ritualistic
- ’ Janine is inflated but reduced, shorn of her former name’
Context: extreme natalist policies of Romania
What are the 3 comparisons I want to make?
- ) consequentialism- religion and science
- ) the dangers of the attempt for human perfection
- ) the distortion of the nuclear family because of the misuse of science
