Frankenstein vs. RUR

Blog Assignment#6-

When reading both Frankenstein and Rossum’s Universal Robots, I saw many similarities to the studies of the characters in each book. Both show the beginning of a love for technology and new ideas in the world. Then they both transition into a fear of new things they created. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein begins with an obsession over ideas of the creation of life and wants to build his own live creature. As a young child, he is not interested in “typical” areas of study, but rather wants to explore the ideas of philosophy. RUR also begins with the directors of the company explaining their fascination with the robot creatures they have created as well. Their creation may stir up questions about ethics and if it is right to create robots to do the work of humans. Although the directors are aware of this question, they are more concerned with efficiency and productivity of work. Characters from both books are initially very enthralled and excited about their studies and creations. Victor Frankenstein keeps his creation a secret; while on the other hand, the directors of RUR are very open to telling others about the robots. However, by the end of both books, this love for their creations turns into a fear of their creations. This shift occurs fairly rapidly in both books. Frankenstein fears the evil that his creature can cause, for example, his ability to kill a human such as William or Elizabeth. Once Victor discovers what the creature had done, he instantly fears it and regrets his decision to out him together. The Robots in RUR do a similar evil. They decide to take over the factory and kill off all of the directors and other humans present. This obviously leads to the fear of their founded technology. Both books show a transition from technophilia to technophobia once they realize the outcome of their creations.