As such, this poem creates a unique, strange, and fascinating look into Romantic poetry and its contributions to the Western literary canon. The idea that unity with nature is something that exists in a fragile way that can be easily destroyed is present throughout the poem, just as it comes up in much of the Romantic poets’ work. However, despite its differences from contemporary Romantic poetry, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner speaks deeply to the classic elements-the beauty of nature, the sacred connection to nature and beauty between the individual and the world outside himself, childlike wonder, etc.

It is possible that this is meant to evoke satire of moral philosophies, but it is still debated by scholars today whether or not this is the case. Some of the poem is rather complicated and uses archaic language to express intense philosophical quandaries. This poem is different from other Romantic poetry of its time, being strangely philosophical and leaning heavily on a moral message.

Literary Significance of Rime of the Ancient Mariner This burden of guilt is only able to be removed when the mariner regains his ability to pray and acknowledge the beauty around him. At this point, he is able to shed his mark of shame-the dead albatross which has been hung around his neck. Major Symbols: The sun the moon dreamingĬlimax: The mariner begins to notice creatures of nature with admiration and praises their beauty. The ancient mariner is telling his tales for the majority of the poem. Plot: This poem uses a frame narrative-a young wedding guest is transfixed by an ancient seaman who wants to tell his story. The young wedding guest is transfixed by the old man and listens to his tale.Ĭonflict: The ancient mariner’s failure to recognize the beauty in all living things and kills the sacred albatross because of this. Motifs: conversation delight over the natural world prayerĮxposition: Three young men are on their way to attend a wedding when one of them is stopped by an old sailor. Major Thematic Elements: The power of imagination relationships between the concepts of piety, philosophy, and arts nature’s role in individuality

Albatross the rime of ancient mariner