The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Definition

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a narrative poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that tells the story of a mariner who undergoes a harrowing sea voyage filled with supernatural elements and moral lessons. This poem exemplifies Coleridge's contribution to Romantic theory, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the sublime, while also exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge wrote The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in 1797, and it was first published in 1798 as part of the collection Lyrical Ballads.
2. The poem is notable for its use of archaic language and varied meter, creating a unique rhythm that enhances its eerie atmosphere.
3. A key moment in the poem is when the mariner kills the albatross, which symbolizes his connection to nature and foreshadows his suffering.
4. The mariner's journey represents a spiritual transformation, as he learns to appreciate the beauty of all creatures and seeks redemption for his actions.
5. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner emphasizes the theme of storytelling itself; the mariner shares his tale to impart wisdom and caution to others.

Review Questions

• How does Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner embody key principles of Romanticism?
  • The Rime of the Ancient Mariner embodies key principles of Romanticism through its focus on emotion, nature, and individual experience. Coleridge presents a deeply emotional narrative where the mariner experiences profound feelings of guilt and redemption. Additionally, the poem explores nature as a powerful force with both beauty and terror, reflecting Romantic ideals about the sublime. The emphasis on personal transformation aligns with Romantic values that prioritize individual experiences over rational thought.
• Discuss how supernatural elements in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner contribute to its overall themes.
  • Supernatural elements in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner play a crucial role in reinforcing its themes of guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of life. The ghostly figures and strange phenomena encountered by the mariner symbolize deeper moral truths about respect for nature and consequences for one’s actions. The albatross itself becomes a supernatural symbol of sin that haunts the mariner throughout his journey. By employing these supernatural aspects, Coleridge heightens the sense of wonder and terror while underscoring moral lessons inherent in the narrative.
• Evaluate how The Rime of the Ancient Mariner reflects Coleridge's views on humanity's relationship with nature.
  • The Rime of the Ancient Mariner reflects Coleridge's views on humanity's relationship with nature by illustrating both harmony and conflict within that connection. The initial act of killing the albatross represents humanity’s disrespect toward nature, leading to dire consequences for the mariner. However, through his suffering and eventual appreciation for all living beings during his isolation at sea, Coleridge conveys a message about redemption and understanding one's place within the natural world. This transformation emphasizes a reconciliatory relationship where acknowledging nature’s value is essential for true understanding and spiritual growth.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A literary movement that values emotion, individualism, and nature over reason and classical forms, influencing many writers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Supernaturalism: A literary device that involves elements beyond the natural world, often used to evoke wonder, fear, or moral reflection in a narrative.

Sublime: A concept in art and literature that refers to an experience of beauty that transcends ordinary understanding, often evoking awe or terror.