The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Definition

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that tells the story of a mariner who undergoes a harrowing journey at sea, marked by supernatural elements and themes of guilt, redemption, and nature's power. The poem exemplifies Romantic ideals, intertwining mythological imagery with profound emotional and moral lessons, showcasing humanity's relationship with the natural world and the consequences of one's actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The poem was published in 1798 as part of Coleridge and Wordsworth's collection 'Lyrical Ballads', marking a significant development in Romantic poetry.
2. The mariner's journey begins with a ship sailing into icy waters, where he encounters an albatross, leading to events that result in dire consequences for him and his crew.
3. A major theme is the idea of isolation; the mariner is physically and emotionally isolated after killing the albatross, which he believed would bring him good luck.
4. The narrative structure includes a frame story, where a wedding guest listens to the mariner's tale, emphasizing how stories can connect people across different experiences.
5. The poem explores concepts of sin and redemption, as the mariner learns to appreciate nature and seeks forgiveness after experiencing profound suffering.

Review Questions

• How does Coleridge use mythological imagery in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner to convey themes related to nature?
  • Coleridge employs rich mythological imagery throughout The Rime of the Ancient Mariner to highlight humanity's connection to nature. For instance, the albatross represents nature's benevolence and balance. When the mariner kills it, he disrupts this harmony, leading to supernatural retribution. This use of imagery illustrates how one’s actions can have profound effects on both personal fate and the natural world.
• Discuss how isolation is portrayed in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and its impact on the mariner's character development.
  • Isolation is a central theme in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, profoundly affecting the mariner's character. After killing the albatross, he finds himself alone on a becalmed ship surrounded by death, symbolizing his spiritual desolation. This isolation forces him to confront his guilt and ultimately leads to his transformation as he learns to respect and appreciate life around him. His journey from alienation to redemption emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness with nature.
• Evaluate how The Rime of the Ancient Mariner reflects Romantic ideals through its treatment of emotion and nature.
  • The Rime of the Ancient Mariner embodies Romantic ideals by focusing on intense emotion and humanity's deep connection with nature. Coleridge contrasts reason with feeling, illustrating that true understanding arises from emotional experiences rather than rational thought. The mariner’s journey reveals profound truths about existence, emphasizing reverence for nature’s beauty and terror. This work serves as a powerful critique of Enlightenment thinking by advocating for an emotional bond with the natural world, positioning it at the heart of Romantic literature.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism as reactions against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, which in Coleridge's poem includes elements like the albatross symbolizing good luck and nature's harmony.

Supernatural: Elements beyond the natural world that often evoke awe or fear; in Coleridge's work, supernatural forces challenge the mariner's understanding of reality and morality.