Albatross

Definition

The albatross is a large seabird known for its impressive wingspan and ability to glide long distances over the ocean. In mythology and literature, the albatross often symbolizes both good fortune and burden, especially in the context of the famous poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, where the bird becomes a symbol of guilt and redemption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The albatross is renowned for its incredible wingspan, which can reach up to 12 feet, enabling it to fly effortlessly over vast ocean distances.
2. In Coleridge's poem, the killing of the albatross represents a grave sin that leads to dire consequences for the mariner and serves as a cautionary tale about respect for nature.
3. The phrase 'an albatross around one's neck' has entered common language, symbolizing a heavy burden or a source of guilt that hinders progress.
4. Albatrosses have a unique feeding mechanism where they can skim the surface of the water to catch fish, showcasing their adaptation to marine life.
5. Various cultures view the albatross as a positive omen, believing that sighting one brings good luck and safe passage on sea voyages.

Review Questions

• How does the albatross function as a symbol in literature, particularly in Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'?
  • In 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' the albatross symbolizes both the beauty of nature and the weight of guilt. When the mariner kills the bird, it transforms from a good omen into a burden, representing his sin and causing misfortune. The subsequent struggle to atone for this act illustrates how nature's creatures can embody complex moral lessons, emphasizing the importance of coexistence with nature.
• Discuss the implications of the phrase 'an albatross around one's neck' in contemporary language and how it relates to personal responsibility.
  • 'An albatross around one's neck' has come to represent a metaphorical burden that weighs heavily on an individual. This phrase connects deeply with themes of personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. Just as the mariner's guilt follows him after he harms the albatross, individuals in modern contexts may carry burdens from past mistakes, reminding them of their obligations to rectify wrongs and learn from their experiences.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of the albatross in different cultures influences its perception as an omen or symbol in literature.
  • The portrayal of the albatross varies significantly across cultures, influencing its perception as either an omen of good fortune or a harbinger of doom. In some cultures, spotting an albatross during a voyage is seen as an assurance of safety and success. Conversely, in literary contexts like Coleridge's work, its death signifies tragedy and moral conflict. This dichotomy showcases how cultural narratives shape our understanding of symbols, leading to varied interpretations that resonate differently with audiences across time and place.

Related terms

Symbolism:

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing for deeper meanings in literature and art.

Mariner: A sailor or seafarer, often depicted in literature as someone who encounters both adventure and peril on the open sea.

Omen: An event or phenomenon that is believed to predict a future occurrence, often seen as a sign of good or bad luck.