Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry: Explained, THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER, by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a seminal work of English literature, written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1798. The poem is notable for its complex structure, its vivid imagery, and its exploration of themes such as guilt, redemption, and the supernatural.

The poem is set on a ship, where the eponymous ancient mariner stops a wedding guest and tells him a harrowing tale of his experiences at sea. The mariner describes how he and his crewmates were sailing through the South Pole when they encountered an albatross. The mariner shot the bird, and his actions caused a series of supernatural events to occur, leading to the death of all of his crewmates.

The central theme of the poem is the idea of guilt and redemption. The mariner is haunted by his actions, and he is forced to wander the earth telling his story in order to atone for his sins. Coleridge explores the idea of guilt in a number of ways, using vivid imagery to describe the mariner's emotional state. He writes, "And every tongue, through utter drought, / Was withered at the root; / We could not speak, no more than if / We had been choked with soot."

Another important theme of the poem is the supernatural. The mariner's encounter with the albatross is the catalyst for a series of events that are both terrifying and supernatural. Coleridge uses vivid imagery to describe these events, creating a sense of unease and tension that builds throughout the poem. He writes, "The selfsame moment I could pray; / And from my neck so free / The Albatross fell off, and sank / Like lead into the sea."

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is also notable for its complex structure. The poem is divided into seven parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the mariner's story. Coleridge uses a variety of poetic devices, such as alliteration, rhyme, and repetition, to create a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem.

In conclusion, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a complex and powerful work of English literature that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural. Coleridge's use of vivid imagery and poetic devices creates a sense of tension and unease throughout the poem, and his exploration of these themes speaks to the enduring power of guilt and redemption in human experience. The poem remains a beloved and influential work of English literature, and it continues to be studied and admired by readers and scholars alike.


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