The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Group

Question:

hum200
hum200
Student
College - Sophomore

Why is the wedding guest unable to return to his wedding after hearing the mariners tales in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?

What about the story makes the wedding guest so sad but wise?

Rate question:

Posted by hum200 on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 9:23 PM and tagged with character, plot, the rime of the ancient mariner, wedding guest.

Answers:


  1. jseligmann Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The Mariner, whose eye is bright,
    Whose beard with age is hoar,
    Is gone : and now the Wedding-Guest
    Turned from the bridegroom's door.

    He went like one that hath been stunned,
    And is of sense forlorn :
    A sadder and a wiser man,
    He rose the morrow morn.

    I guess you could say that, after hearing the Ancient Mariner's story, the wedding guest is no longer in a partying mood. He's heard a wild and riveting story of ignorance, revelation, death and redemption. It has stunned and awed him. He no longer wants to join in any frivolous festivities. He needs to ponder and plumb the depths of what he has heard. His understanding has been expanded, and his world is newly illuminated. He's been saddened and awakened, distracted and amazed. He is in no state of mind for dancing and small talk.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by jseligmann on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 10:07 PM