Ancient Mariner – Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is one of his most famous masterpieces. This well-known English poet is also a critic and philosopher. He also co-founded the Romantic Movement with his buddy William Wordsworth. The author represents an ancient sailor who is one of the wedding guests and begins sharing his narrative in this poem. He began by telling how their ship sailed out of the harbour joyously, only to be beset by disasters and misery. He accidentally killed a bird. For his sin, he was cursed. This incident, however, entirely transformed him, and he learned to love God’s animals. 

Story of the Ancient Mariner: 

On their way to a wedding feast, a group of wedding guests. One of them was abruptly halted by an elderly seaman. He began giving the person his story. Despite his protests, the wedding guest was obliged to return to listen to the aged sailor. The old sailor started his tale. He told him how joyously their ship sailed away from the harbour. This bliss, however, was fleeting. A strong storm drove the ship south, bringing snow and mist with it. There were massive icebergs everywhere. However, an albatross swooped down to save the day. The crew saw him as a divine emissary. In addition, the snow began to split and give way to the ship. The ship sailed away once more. The ship was accompanied by a bird. It was fed by the crew. However, the sailor killed the bird on the spur of the moment.

For his misdeed, the crew cursed him. They later realised he was correct in killing the bird that caused the fog and mist. The ship came to a halt after some time. The sun was sweltering. There was water everywhere. There was, however, not a drop of water to drink. The waters appeared to be rotting. On its surface, there were also ugly creatures. The crew had a negative attitude about the veteran sailor. They assumed the bird had returned to exact its vengeance. The cross was worn around the neck of the old sailor. To remind the elderly sailor of his sin, the crew took it and replaced it with a dead Albatross. It was also done so that he would be held accountable for his wrongdoing.

He saw a Pilot and a Hermit after being in so many bad situations. He begged the Hermit to forgive him for his transgression. He discovered that he is cursed to tell his story to everyone. When the wedding guests returned home, they were sadder and wiser. 

The poem is about committing a sin and then confessing it. The ancient sailor admits that he has committed a serious sin. In addition, he had a change of heart. As a result, he resolves to make amends. He is doing penance. It was to traverse the world and tell strangers his entire story, his misdeeds. He also told them that we should devote our time to praying for others. Furthermore, we should love and appreciate all of God’s creatures. We should not harm or kill them. 

The Rim of the Ancient Mariner analysis: 

The cycle of guilt, penance, and absolution of the mariner provides meaning in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner analysis or close reading. When he kills the innocent albatross, he becomes so estranged from God that he is unable to pray. His penance comes in two flavours. The mariner first goes through the horrible events while still on board the ship, but his penance continues after he is rescued. He has to keep telling his narrative to select people he meets. However, the next phase in the cycle, absolution, seemed to elude him. If he has any feelings of forgiveness or relief from the sin, they are fleeting. 

Early criticisms: 

The poem was initially panned for being cryptic and difficult to comprehend. Wordsworth’s attempt to employ ordinary English was perceived as contradicted by his use of archaic orthography. In 1815–1816, criticism was reignited when Coleridge added marginal comments to the poem, which were similarly written in an antique form. These annotations or glosses, which are written next to the poem’s text, presumably interpret the verses in the same way that marginal notes in the Bible do. There were numerous theories as to why Coleridge included the gloss. The gloss, according to Charles Lamb, distanced the audience from the narrative, weakening the poem’s effects. Lamb had admired the original for its attention to “Human Feeling.” 

Interpretations: 

On the surface, the poem is about a breach of nature and the psychological repercussions it has on the mariner and everyone else who hears it. The poem, according to Jerome McGann, is similar to a salvation story. Coleridge’s interest in higher critique is reflected in the poem’s structure, which is a multi-layered composition. “The Rime is a work of trans-historical rather than so-called global significance, like the Iliad or Paradise Lost, or any great historical product. This is significant because it draws attention to a true distinction. The Rime, like The Divine Comedy or any other poetry, is not valued or used in the same way or for the same reasons everywhere or by everyone.” 

Conclusion: 

The poem illustrates having to confront the consequences of one’s actions. As a result, we must avoid committing sins. However, if this happens, we must also repent. Repentance is the only way to be rid of sins.