The theme of guilt is central to "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." The mariner's impulsive act of killing the albatross sets off a chain of events that lead to profound guilt and suffering. This guilt is not only personal but shared among the crew, who initially condemn the mariner but later attempt to shift the blame entirely onto him. The mariner's guilt becomes a lifelong burden, compelling him to retell his story as a form of penance.

The mariner's guilt begins with the senseless killing of the albatross, a bird initially seen as a good omen. The crew's shifting opinions on the act reflect their shared culpability. They first scold the mariner for killing the bird "that made the breeze to blow," but later justify the act when the fog lifts, only to blame him again when misfortune strikes. This shifting blame culminates in the symbolic act of hanging the albatross around the mariner's neck, replacing the cross and signifying the crew's attempt to transfer their shared guilt onto him alone.

Instead of the Cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung. (136-139)

The mariner's guilt is compounded by the deaths of his shipmates, which he perceives as a direct consequence of his actions. As their souls leave their bodies, the mariner is reminded of the fatal shot from his crossbow, linking their deaths to his guilt. This haunting imagery underscores the mariner's internal torment and the lasting impact of his deed.

The souls did from their bodies fly,--
They fled to bliss or woe!
And every soul, it passed me by,
Like the whizz of my crossbow! (220-223)

The mariner's guilt is not easily absolved. He must wander the earth, compelled to share his tale with those who need to hear it, as a form of ongoing penance. This endless retelling serves as a reminder of his guilt and the necessity of repentance. The mariner's suffering is mirrored in Coleridge's own struggles with guilt, stemming from his mental disorder and addiction. Both the mariner and Coleridge grapple with the consequences of their actions, seeking redemption through acknowledgment and restitution.

Since then, at an uncertain hour,
That agony returns;
And till my ghastly tale is told,
This heart within me burns. (579-582)

The mariner's journey illustrates the heavy burden of guilt and the complex process of seeking forgiveness. His tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of thoughtless actions and the enduring need for repentance and respect for nature.