Practice Questions for Frankenstein and Blade Runner (Advanced English Module A, Elective 2: Texts in Time.)

One of the most challenging things about writing an English paper is maintaining a good flow whilst answering the question effectively. Memorizing what you want to say would help if you knew the question at hand but each year the HSC questions change which means you need to develop a skill other than memorization. As you write you want to maintain a decent structure and pepper in your themes along the way. Practicing a variety of questions will get your brain working on deeper critical skills that will help you in the long run where memorizing will not. We have prepared a list of practice questions that can be used to build a holistic skillset.

• HSC 2010:

Analyse how Frankenstein and Blade Runner imaginatively portray individuals who challenge the established values of their times.

• HSC 2009:

‘A deeper understanding of disruption and identity emerges from considering the parallels between Frankenstein and Blade Runner.’

• Compare how these texts explore disruption and identity.

• The creators of Frankenstein and Blade Runner have anchored their visions in the social and cultural realities of their time. Despite contextual differences, however, at the heart of both texts is a fear that we may not be able to control what we create. Is this your view of these texts.

• Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, and Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, share many common attributes, most notably, that time has demonstrated both texts’ significance to society. Explore this statement.

• To what extent do the two texts present similar or different criticisms of society?

• Similar issues, explored in different contexts, may reflect changes in values and perspectives. How is this demonstrated in the comparison of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner?

• In spite of different contexts and values, both Shelley and Scott are concerned with the question of what constitutes true humanity. Explore this statement.

• “What does it mean to be human?” Explore this statement in relation to Blade Runner and Frankenstein.

• Both Frankenstein and Blade Runner share a common premise. If humanity, through scientific advancement, is able to create life artificially, then ethical quandary will arise. How are the relationships between the creator and created used by Scott and Shelley to illustrate a common premise. In your response also explore how they reflect societal concerns of the time in which they were composed.

• Compare the ways in which both texts offer insights into the human experience. (CSSA 2009 Trial)

• ‘Despite having been composed in different times texts can reflect the enduring values which human beings share.’ To what extent do the two ‘Texts in Time’ you have studied lead you to accept this statement?

• ‘The values of each age are reflected in the texts which are composed in them.’ To what extent do the two ‘Texts in Time’ you have studied lead you to accept this statement?

• To what extent does the time in which composers live influence their response to enduring human concerns? Discuss with reference to your two prescribed texts.

• ” The most interesting aspect of texts written in different times is seeing the differences in what people value.” Evaluate this opinion in relation to the novel, Frankenstein, and the film, Blade Runner. In your response make detailed references to both texts. (Independent 2009 Trial)

• While texts are products of their times, the composers of each text are both concerned that the quest for understanding and knowledge has left our values vulnerable.

• The significant similarities between the texts are more important than their difference. Explore this statement by making close reference to the TWO texts you have studied.

• Does Blade Runner enhance or trivialise Shelley’s Frankenstein? Support your view by referring to your TWO prescribed texts in detail. (ETA 2009 Trial)

•  The notion of responsibility is the critical connection between Frankenstein and Blade Runner. (ETA 2009 Trial)

• “The key to understanding anything is to understand its value in its time and our own.” Discuss this proposition in relation to both texts set for study.

• ‘Texts on their own are interesting but when you compare them to other texts they become illuminating and dynamic.’ How has your exploration of the shared ideas of Frankenstein and Blade Runner – Director’s Cut moved you to a heightened appreciation of each text?

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