The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Questions and Answers
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What do "Death" and "Life-in-Death" symbolize in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
Death and Life-in-Death are allegorical figures who represent the potential fates of the men on board the ship. Death represents the straightforward physical termination of life, while Life-in-Death...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Literary Devices in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge employs various literary devices, including personification, paradoxical imagery, symbolism, and narrative techniques. Personification is...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Themes and Events in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is rich with Romantic characteristics, including a deep respect for nature, the supernatural, and the elevation of the common man. The...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How does willing suspension of disbelief relate to "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
Willing suspension of disbelief in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" allows readers to accept fantastical elements, crucial for understanding its Romantic themes. Coleridge's use of supernatural...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What do water snakes symbolize in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The water snakes symbolize the beauty and blessedness of nature and of God's creation. The moment the Mariner is able to respond to them with love and bless them, he is released from his curse.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The significance of the title "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and its unique spelling in Coleridge's poem
The title "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" signifies the mariner's tale, with "rime" being an archaic spelling of "rhyme," emphasizing the poem's ancient and timeless quality. The unique spelling...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What happens to the crew after the Mariner kills the albatross?
After the Mariner kills the albatross, the crew initially blames him for their misfortune as the ship becomes stuck in the doldrums without wind. They hang the albatross around his neck as...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Assess "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" as a ballad.
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a literary ballad by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, known for its dramatic narrative and supernatural events. It follows traditional ballad structures, like iambic...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Explain the quote from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" that begins, "Day after day, day after day . . . Upon a...
The quote "Day after day, day after day . . . Upon a painted ocean" from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" illustrates the ship's motionless state after the mariner kills the albatross. The...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Discuss the relationship between present and past narratives in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
In the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the present narrative is used as a framing device for the past narrative that the ancient mariner tells. This allows...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Examining the Allegorical Elements in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" contains several allegorical elements. The mariner's journey symbolizes a spiritual voyage, highlighting themes of sin, penance, and redemption. The albatross...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How to write a logbook for Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
To write a logbook for Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," record the ship's journey from leaving the harbor, encountering storms, mist, and ice near the South Pole, and the appearance of...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What are some examples of onomatopoeia in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
Examples of onomatopoeia in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" include words like "cracked," "growled," "roared," and "howled" to describe the ice surrounding the ship. Other instances are "groan" and...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The Mariner's Curse and Sufferings in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
In Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the Mariner's curse stems from killing an albatross, which symbolizes his disrespect for nature and God. This act leads to the death of his crew and...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Which four segments are repeatedly used in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and why?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," Coleridge uses repetition to emphasize key themes and situations. Four notable segments include: the repetition of "the ice was here, the ice was there" to...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why does the mariner compare himself to the snakes in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The mariner compares himself to the snakes when he finally appreciates their beauty and grace, seeing them as part of God's creation. Initially, he dismissed them as "slimy things," reflecting his...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What description does the Mariner give of the storm-driven ship in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The Mariner describes the storm as a powerful, personified force in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." He likens it to a "tyrannous and strong" winged creature, possibly a bird of prey or dragon,...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How does the Ancient Mariner symbolize guilt and loneliness in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The Ancient Mariner symbolizes guilt and loneliness through various symbols and events in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." His guilt is depicted by the mist and fog that obscure the ship's path and...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Descriptions of the ancient mariner and the narrator in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
The ancient mariner is described as having a long grey beard, glittering eyes, and a skinny hand. He appears otherworldly and compelling, with an aura of mystery and wisdom. The narrator, on the...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why is the iceberg described as "as green as emerald" in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The iceberg is described as "as green as emerald" possibly due to symbolic and historical reasons. Symbolically, green represents nature, suggesting a return to normalcy after the albatross's death....
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Analysis and Paraphrasing of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" Stanzas and Speakers
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge uses vivid imagery and multiple speakers to convey its themes. Imagery in stanzas 7 and 8 of Part 2 highlights a stagnant, eerie sea under...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What does the quote "He holds him with his glittering eye...The Mariner hath his will" mean?
In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the quote "He holds him with his glittering eye...The Mariner hath his will" describes how the Mariner captivates a wedding guest with...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The consequences and justice of the Ancient Mariner's actions in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
The Ancient Mariner faces severe consequences for killing the albatross, symbolizing his disrespect for nature. He endures physical and spiritual torment, including isolation and witnessing the death...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What is the role of the wedding guest in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the wedding guest serves as the listener to the Mariner's tale, symbolizing the receiver in a rhetorical situation. Initially reluctant, the wedding guest...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What effect does the Mariner have on the Wedding Guest?
The Mariner has a profound effect on the Wedding Guest. Initially, he mesmerizes and frightens him with his appearance and tale, making the guest believe he might be a ghost. The story leaves the...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," how do the "slimy things" compare to the "water snakes" in lines 125 and 238?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the "slimy things" symbolize nature's abhorrence and punishment following the albatross's death, appearing with the sea's decay and stagnation. In contrast, the...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What is the meaning of these lines from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The lines reflect the Mariner's guilt for killing the albatross, which his crew believed brought favorable winds and good fortune. The crew initially condemns the Mariner for this "hellish thing,"...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How is repetition used in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
Repetition in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is used to enhance its literary ballad form, which features simple language, repetition, and strong rhyme and rhythm. The phrase "The bright-eyed...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," why did Coleridge use the archaic spelling for "rhyme"?
Coleridge used the archaic spelling "rime" to evoke a sense of age and distance, aligning with the word "ancient" and "mariner," which also suggest an older time. This choice helps frame the poem as...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Storytelling's Purpose and Power in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," storytelling serves as a means of penance and moral instruction. The Mariner is compelled to share his tale to relieve his guilt for killing an albatross, a sin...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The climax and conclusion of Part 3 in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
The climax of Part 3 in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" occurs when the crew dies after encountering the ghostly ship, leaving the Mariner alone. The conclusion follows with the Mariner's...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Can you explain a dream in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," dreams play significant roles. In Part Two, crew members dream that the albatross's spirit is causing the ship's troubles, leading them to hang the dead bird...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why is the wedding guest afraid of the mariner in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner?
The wedding guest is afraid of the mariner because he thinks he might be either the spirit of a dead person walking the earth or otherwise associated with the unholy spirits of the dead. In both...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How does "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" relate to modern day situations?
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" relates to the situations of nowadays because it argues in favor of respecting all of nature as God's creation. This relates to the situation today of climate...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What imagery reveals the Mariner's despair in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner?"
Imagery in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" reveals the Mariner's despair through the metaphor of the albatross as a burden, symbolizing his guilt and stress. The Mariner's despair is depicted...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Compare and contrast Kubla Khan and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
"Kubla Khan" and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge differ significantly in structure and theme. "Kubla Khan" is a fragmentary, imaginative poem with an indeterminate meter and lacks the...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Does this excerpt from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" contain alliteration?
Yes, the excerpt from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" contains alliteration. The repeated initial consonant sounds include "f" in "fair," "foam," "flew," "furrow," "followed," "free," and "first";...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How do meter and point of view contribute to the meaning in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The meter in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" employs ballad meter with alternating iambic tetrameter and trimeter, rhymed ABAB, situating it within the tradition of narrative folk ballads, often...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why is Coleridge's use of language in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner important?
This stanza in Part II illustrates the effectiveness of Coleridge’s concentrated poetic language: About, about, in reel and rout The death fires danced at night; The water, like a witch’s oils Burned...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Can you identify two instances each of internal rhyme and alliteration in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner?"
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," internal rhyme can be seen in "The guests are met, the feast is set" and "The game is done! I've won! I've won!" Alliteration examples include "He holds him with...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," what does "painted ocean" mean?
What is meant by a "painted ocean" is that the seas on which the Ancient Mariner and his crew-mates are sailing no longer seem to be moving. As there is no wind, and therefore no movement, it's as if...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What is the argument in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner?
The argument in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is that it is morally wrong to harm innocent creatures, and those who do will face divine judgment. The poem emphasizes...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
How does the Mariner return home in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The Mariner gets home again because Angels reanimate the bodies of the deceased crew, who steer the ship back to port at unimaginable speed. The ship then sinks, but a boat comes to his rescue and...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why is "The Wedding Guest beat his breast" repeated in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The repetition of "The Wedding Guest beat his breast" in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" emphasizes his frustration and anguish at missing the wedding to listen to the Mariner's captivating tale....
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why does the Mariner choose to stop that specific wedding guest?
The Mariner in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" stops the specific wedding guest because he is compelled by a force to share his story with certain individuals. This compulsion is described as a...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Illustration of Themes in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" through Quotations
Themes in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" are illustrated through quotations such as "Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink," highlighting the theme of despair and irony, and "He prayeth...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What are some oxymorons in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
Several oxymorons appear in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." In Part One, "dismal sheen" combines gloomy with shining. Part Two's "Water, water, every where, / Nor any drop to drink" highlights the...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
What does the albatross symbolize in literature?
The albatross symbolizes both good luck and a burdensome psychological or emotional weight in literature. In "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, an albatross initially...
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Why are the images of Sun, Death, wind, and sea creatures in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner repeated?
The images of sun, death, wind, and sea creatures are all connected with the mariner's guilt and his curse.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Which 14 events from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" could be logged?
Fourteen key events from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" include: the ship sets sail, becomes trapped in ice and fog, an albatross arrives, freeing the ship; the mariner kills the albatross,...