Exploration of Sin, Suffering, and Salvation in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Coleridge delves into themes of sin, suffering, and salvation through the narrative of the ancient mariner, highlighting the consequences of a heinous act and the subsequent journey of repentance and redemption. The pivotal role of the Albatross symbolizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of accountability and forgiveness in the face of moral transgressions.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Coleridge uses the poem to explore ideas of sin, suffering and salvation. There is altogether too much morality: the ancient mariner realizes at the end his faults and gets the lesson. The scenery remains thrillingly hellish and the narrative drive is irresistible due to the supernatural elements and its effects. Coleridge's theme of crime and punishment is related to the sin of albatross-shooting which helps him to realize how guilty he is and gets the moral lesson.
The Albatross plays a pivotal role in the poem. It is a very large, chiefly white oceanic and an ice-winged stout bodied bird which has long, narrow wings, and is mainly found in the Pacific and Southern Oceans. The Mariner considers and compares the bird with Christian soul, and hails it in God s name. It is to be noted that the Albatross was the first living being the sailors came across in the region of mist and snow. Believing that it was just like them a creature of God, the sailors welcome it on board their ship and feed it. It might symbolize social connection. Its arrival lifted their spirits and brought them hope.
After the Mariner kills the Albatross, it is hung around his neck so he can understand the seriousness of his act, but he is incapable of realizing the full implications at this time. The bird was of no danger to the Mariner or the men on the ship, and in fact, was a spiritual guide to safeguard the crew on their excursion. The murder was committed on a whim, with no forethought about the act or the repercussions. The Mariner gives no explanation to the Wedding Guest as to why he killed the bird because he has none. In his essay The Sad Wisdom of the Mariner, A.M. Buchan writes The shooting is an act, unpremeditated and unmeant, that nevertheless must be accounted for . meaning that the Mariner must accept accountability( outcomes) for his actions so he can begin to atone for his sins.
Samuel Taylor Coleridges The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is about a man on a voyage by ship, who in one impulsive and heinous act, changes the course of his life and death. The Mariner faces an inner struggle over the crime he has committed, and must understand his actions and perform his penance. He must also learn to abandon his negative views and openly accept all of Gods creatures. In fact, the voyage becomes a journey of learning important lessons in accountability, repentance. acceptance, forgiveness, and
