Themes: Mystery and the Supernatural
William Morris disparagingly referred to Coleridge as a “muddle-headed metaphysician.” A more sympathetic way to describe the metaphysical aspect of Coleridge’s work would be to say that Coleridge read a great deal of recondite and esoteric literature, with a particular focus on spiritual subjects, and that he used the concepts he found there in a way that has often confused even the most scholarly readers. Indeed, it is sometimes difficult to work out what is happening in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” When the mariner refers to the slimy things, or the “fire-flags,” or the fires upon the sea, how literally is the reader supposed to take these words? It is arguable that to attempt to pin down the meaning of Coleridge’s images with any precision is to miss the point of the poem, which is intended to remain somewhat mysterious.
The mystery is increased by all the uncertainty that surrounds the ancient mariner and his fate. Readers know nothing of who he was before the voyage. Like the poem’s other characters, he does not have a personal name or a past. He seems to have achieved some kind of resolution, if not absolution, in his understanding of God’s love, but he is nonetheless fated to wander the earth telling his story.
The mystery of the poem is increased by the frequent appearance (and equally abrupt disappearance) of angels and other supernatural beings. The mariner reassures the wedding guest by telling him that the reanimated corpses of the crew were not simply dead bodies returned to life, but were inhabited by angels, as though this is somehow less frightening. Later in his story, when the mariner is in sight of home, the bodies lie still, but each one has a glowing angel standing on it, to guide the pilot to the ship with their lights. The two voices the mariner hears in his stupor, which discuss his sin and penance, appear to be similar celestial beings. Even the sea snakes take on a supernatural significance, magically restoring to the mariner his ability to pray.
Expert Q&A
What is the meaning of these lines from part 3 of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
See! see! ( I cried) she tacks no more!
Hither to work us weal;
Without a breeze, without a tide,
She steadies with upright keel!
The western wave was all a-flame,
The day was well nigh done!
Almost upon the western wave
Rested the broad bright Sun;
When that strange shape drove suddenly
Betwixt us and the sun.
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," what does blessing the snakes "unawares" mean?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," blessing the snakes "unawares" signifies the Mariner's unconscious, heartfelt change, highlighting a genuine transformation. This spontaneous act reflects his newfound appreciation for nature, breaking the spell that bound him. His ability to pray returns, symbolizing reconciliation with God and nature. Consequently, the albatross, representing his guilt, falls from his neck, indicating his release from punishment.
What power allows the Mariner to halt the wedding guest?
The Mariner possesses supernatural powers that allow him to identify and compel a listener who will benefit from his tale. This power, given as part of his penance for killing the albatross, includes a "strange power of speech" and the ability to recognize those who must hear his story. These powers ensure the Wedding Guest, despite his initial reluctance, is captivated and transformed by the Mariner's moral-laden tale.
What is the significance of the hermit and spirits in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The hermit and spirits in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" symbolize a connection to God and the supernatural. The spirits, possibly angels, discuss the Mariner's crimes and punishment, highlighting the theme of divine judgment. The hermit, who prays and recognizes the Mariner's supernatural experience, serves as evidence of the Mariner's transformation and underscores the poem's themes of penance, redemption, and the mystical connection between humanity and the divine.
Why does the Mariner survive the voyage while all other sailors perish?
The Mariner survives while the other sailors die so that he has the chance to repent. The punishment for his crime is to live a long life of suffering, while the other sailors are spared this fate worse than death.
What literary devices does the author use to emphasize the supernatural theme?
What are the consequences of Life-in-Death winning the Mariner instead of Death?
When Life-in-Death wins the Mariner, he endures a fate worse than death. Unlike his shipmates who die quickly, the Mariner survives in a torturous state, witnessing their reanimated corpses crew the ship. This haunting experience forces him to confront his guilt for killing the albatross. Ultimately, he is compelled to share his story as a warning, highlighting themes of redemption and the consequences of disrespecting nature.
What is the value of superstition in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The value of superstition in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is that it can save people from violating God. The crew's superstition around the albatross encourages them to respect God's creation.
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," why does the crew’s joy shift to horror?
The crew's joy in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" shifts to horror when they initially believe a ship is coming to rescue them from being marooned at sea. However, as the ship approaches, they realize it is a ghost ship carrying Death and Life-in-Death, who gamble for their lives. The crew, understanding their fate, curses the mariner and dies, leaving him alone in terror and despair.
Natural, Supernatural, and Divine Elements in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," natural and supernatural elements intertwine to convey themes of respect for nature. The Mariner's killing of the albatross triggers supernatural retribution, illustrating Romantic ideals of nature's sanctity. Supernatural figures like DEATH and LIFE-IN-DEATH symbolize punishment and redemption, highlighting nature's divine connection. Coleridge uses vivid imagery and archaic diction to create an eerie atmosphere, emphasizing the moral that all creatures, great and small, deserve love and respect.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.