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.
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 Mariner's Penance in line 408 of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
The Mariner's penance in line 408 of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" involves retelling his tale to absolve his sin of killing the Albatross. After his crew is animated by angelic spirits and the ship sails on, he experiences a trance and is eventually saved by a Hermit. The Mariner must continuously recount his story to relieve his agony and teach others, serving as his ongoing penance.
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.
What is the mariner's curse and his required task in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner?
The Mariner's curse arises from killing an albatross, an act that brings divine retribution. To atone, he must tell his story repeatedly to those he intuitively knows need to hear it, such as the Wedding-Guest. This act of penance is necessary for his forgiveness, granted by a holy Hermit. The moral he shares emphasizes loving all living creatures, reflecting the lesson learned through his ordeal.
Is the Mariner free from suffering when the albatross falls from his neck in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"?
Though the albatross falls from the Mariner's neck, symbolizing a break in the spell, he is not free from suffering. While he can pray again, his return to shore marks the start of a new torment. He is condemned to roam the earth, compelled to recount his tale to others, experiencing recurring agony. This ongoing suffering highlights the lasting impact of his actions and the necessity of sharing his cautionary story.
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.
Does the mariner's continued penance signify more than repaying the spirit for its loss?
The Mariner's continued penance represents more than repaying the spirit; it serves as a didactic warning to others about respecting nature. By perpetually retelling his story, the Mariner ensures that neither he nor his listeners forget the consequences of his actions—killing the albatross and causing his crew's deaths. This ongoing penance is meant to teach both the Wedding Guest and the audience about the importance of reverence for nature.
What must the Mariner continue to do throughout his life according to "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," lines 582-590?
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the Mariner is condemned to wander the earth and share his tale as penance for killing the albatross. This eternal task is a form of repentance for his disrespect towards nature, highlighting Romantic themes of reverence for the natural world. He experiences physical and emotional agony until he tells his story to those who need to hear it, emphasizing the importance of loving all creatures.
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.
