Themes: Sin and Penance
The poem is primarily concerned with the sin of the ancient mariner in shooting the albatross, as well as the sufferings he has to endure in order to atone for this sin. Even at the end of the poem, the ancient mariner seems to be in the midst of his penance. He is doomed to wander the world—much like the mythical figure of the Wandering Jew, a popular trope in Romantic literature—and seek out men to listen to his story.
The mariner feels light and free after telling his story to the hermit, but this seems to have been a temporary effect of relief, rather than permanent absolution. However, he seems to have gained some wisdom in telling and retelling his story. He has learned about love, prayer, and God, and there is some indication that this has brought him a modicum of peace.
The mariner’s choice to shoot the albatross is abrupt, apparently motiveless, and never explained, reflecting Coleridge’s view of the arbitrary and mysterious nature of sin. Although the ancient mariner never tries to explain his motives for shooting the albatross, the fickle crew changes their minds on the issue—first condemning the ancient mariner, then praising him, and finally cursing him. The curse survives their deaths, as the mariner continues to see it in the eyes of their corpses throughout his time on the ship.
The mariner commits his sin at the end of part 1, meaning that most of the poem is a recital of ordeal after ordeal in the course of a long, drawn-out penance. Just before the mariner announces that he shot the albatross, the wedding guest, doubtless thinking that he has escaped rather easily, assumes that the story is at an end. The same effect is achieved at the end of part 5, when the soft voice the mariner hears says,
The man hath penance done
And penance more will do.
The expiation of sin, then, is a harrowing business that appears to bear little relation to the magnitude of the sin itself. Even as the poem concludes, there is no clear end in sight.
Expert Q&A
Explain the line "He prayeth best, who loveth best" from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner".
The line "He prayeth best, who loveth best" from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" illustrates the moral lesson the Mariner learns from his supernatural journey, which is a reflection of Augustine's theology regarding the importance of loving all of God's creatures. This belief is why the Mariner is cursed for killing the albatross and why his fortunes improve when he appreciates the beauty in creation. The line suggests that profound prayer stems from a deep respect and love for all creatures, great and small.
What are three examples each of imagery and personification in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" that support its theme?
"He prayeth well, who loveth well / Both man and bird and beast. / He prayeth best, who loveth best / All things both great and small."
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," imagery and personification highlight the theme of love and respect for nature. Imagery includes the sound of cracking ice, the sailors' intense thirst, and the vibrant water snakes. Personification is seen in the sun as a prisoner, the wind as a tyrant, and the emotional attribution to water snakes. These elements emphasize the importance of reverence for all living things, aligning with the poem's moral message.
What lesson does the Mariner learn in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
From his experiences, the Mariner in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" learns the lesson of loving and respecting God and all of his creations.
Why is the albatross hung around the mariner's neck and what does it replace in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The albatross is hung around the mariner's neck as a punishment for killing the bird, which the crew initially viewed as a good omen. It replaces a cross, symbolizing the crew's attempt to transfer their shared guilt onto the mariner alone. This act signifies their belief that the mariner's crime brought misfortune, stranding them at sea, and only when the mariner gains God's favor does the albatross fall from his neck.
What is the moral of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and why is the story told at a wedding?
The moral of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is the sanctity of all life and the importance of respecting all creatures, as they are God's creations. The Mariner learns this after killing the albatross, leading to suffering and eventual enlightenment. The story is told at a wedding to emphasize themes of unity and interconnectedness, symbolizing a "wedding" of the Mariner's realization that he is one with all life on earth.
Is the Ancient Mariner's punishment for killing the Albatross fair? Whose fate is worse, the Mariner's or the sailors'?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," whether the Mariner's punishment is fair is subjective. However, the sailors' fate is arguably worse. The Mariner suffers for killing the albatross, enduring survivor's guilt and a compulsion to tell his story, yet he survives. In contrast, the sailors, who had no part in the crime, undeservingly suffer and die, making their punishment seem harsher and more unjust than the Mariner's.
The symbolic nature and reasons behind the ancient mariner's killing of the albatross
The ancient mariner's killing of the albatross in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is symbolic of humanity's disregard for nature and the consequences of disrupting the natural order. The mariner's impulsive act brings misfortune upon himself and his crew, illustrating the themes of guilt, penance, and the need for respect toward all living creatures.
The significance and impact of the albatross in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
The albatross in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" symbolizes nature and the consequences of disrupting the natural order. Its killing brings a curse upon the mariner and his crew, leading to their suffering and death. The bird's death marks the beginning of the mariner's journey of penance and redemption, highlighting themes of guilt, punishment, and the importance of respecting nature.
Justify the concept of sin and regeneration in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner".
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," sin and regeneration are explored through the Mariner's journey from carelessness to redemption. His impulsive act of killing the albatross symbolizes a lack of respect for nature, leading to dire consequences. Regeneration occurs as he learns to respect all of God's creatures, sharing his story to instill this value in others. The wedding guest also undergoes transformation, illustrating that regeneration is possible through understanding and respect for nature.
The Wedding Guest becomes a sadder and wiser man after hearing the Mariner's story
The Wedding Guest becomes a sadder and wiser man after hearing the Mariner's story because he gains a deeper understanding of human suffering and the consequences of one's actions. The tale profoundly affects him, leaving him contemplative and more aware of life's complexities and moral lessons.
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