How does Samuel Taylor Coleridge use the supernatural in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
"The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a haunting and atmospheric poem
that employs the supernatural as a central element of its plot and themes.
Coleridge uses the supernatural to create a sense of mystery, terror, and awe,
and to explore deeper philosophical and moral questions. In this essay, we will
discuss how Coleridge uses the supernatural in "The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner" and its significance in the poem, with a focus on key
supernatural elements such as the ghostly ship, the supernatural beings, and
the curse.
One of the most prominent
supernatural elements in the poem is the ghostly ship that appears to the crew
of the ship commanded by the ancient mariner. The supernatural appearance of
the ship, with its "ribs as thin as reeds," its "skeleton
ship," and its crew of ghostly figures, creates a sense of foreboding and
mystery. The crew of the mariner's ship is unable to see any living beings on
the ghost ship, and they are struck by its eerie and otherworldly nature.
Coleridge uses vivid and evocative descriptions to create a sense of the
supernatural, with phrases such as "ribs as thin as reeds" and
"ribs through which the sun did peer" adding to the eerie atmosphere.
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How does Samuel Taylor Coleridge use the supernatural in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner :-The supernatural ship serves as a
symbol of the mariner's impending doom and represents a supernatural force that
disrupts the natural order of the world. The ghost ship's appearance
foreshadows the mariner's encounter with supernatural beings and the events
that follow, serving as a warning of the consequences of his actions. It also
serves to heighten the sense of mystery and intrigue in the poem, drawing the
reader into the supernatural realm of the story.
Another key supernatural element in
the poem is the presence of supernatural beings, such as the ghostly crew of
the ship and the supernatural spirits that torment the mariner. The ghostly
crew is described as having "ribs as thin as reeds" and "flesh
as thin as leather," and they are portrayed as otherworldly and
terrifying. They represent a supernatural force that punishes the mariner for
his transgressions against nature, and their presence adds to the sense of
horror and fear in the poem.
The supernatural spirits that
torment the mariner after he kills the albatross are also significant in the
poem. They are described as "a troop of spirits," "a thousand
thousand thousand shapes of joy and mystery," and they are depicted as
ethereal, otherworldly beings. These supernatural spirits are both beautiful
and terrifying, with their "eyes of fire" and "smiles that
glowed with inward light." They represent the supernatural consequences of
the mariner's actions and serve as a reminder of the power and mystery of the
supernatural world.
How does Samuel Taylor Coleridge use the supernatural in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner :-Coleridge also uses the curse that
befalls the mariner as a supernatural element in the poem. After he kills the
albatross, the mariner is cursed by supernatural forces, and he becomes a
victim of supernatural punishment. The curse manifests in various ways, such as
the rotting of the ship, the deaths of the crew, and the torment inflicted by
the supernatural spirits. The curse is portrayed as a supernatural force that
seeks to balance the scales of justice and restore the natural order of the
world, and the mariner is unable to escape its consequences.
The use of the supernatural in
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" serves several purposes. Firstly,
it creates a sense of mystery, terror, and awe, drawing the reader into the
supernatural realm of the poem. The supernatural elements serve to heighten the
sense of danger and otherworldliness, creating a sense of unease and suspense.
The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner “Summary”
"The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a narrative poem that tells the
story of an old mariner who narrates his tale of a harrowing sea voyage to a
wedding guest. The poem begins with the mariner stopping a guest on his way to
a wedding and compelling him to listen to his story as a form of penance for
his past sins.
The mariner's story begins with his
ship being becalmed in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by eerie and
supernatural occurrences. A ghostly ship approaches them, crewed by spectral
figures, and the mariner spots an albatross, a large seabird, which he shoots
with his crossbow. The crew initially praises him for breaking the curse of the
becalming, as the wind picks up and the ship starts moving again.
How does Samuel Taylor Coleridge use the supernatural in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner :-However, the mariner's act of
killing the albatross has dire consequences. The crew turns against him,
blaming him for their misfortune, and forces him to wear the dead bird's corpse
around his neck as a reminder of his guilt. The ship encounters a series of
supernatural events, including ghostly visions, hallucinations, and encounters
with supernatural spirits, which torment the mariner with guilt and remorse.
The crew gradually dies one by one,
and the mariner is left alone, surrounded by the corpses of his fellow sailors.
He witnesses supernatural phenomena, including spectral ships, angels, and
supernatural beings. He comes to realize that the albatross was a symbol of
God's creation and that he has committed a heinous crime against nature and the
supernatural world.
How does Samuel Taylor Coleridge use the supernatural in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner :-In his despair, the mariner prays
for forgiveness and redemption. He learns to appreciate the beauty of nature
and repents for his actions. As a result, the supernatural curse is lifted, and
he is saved by a troop of supernatural spirits who take him back to land. The
mariner returns to his homeland, a changed man, and finds solace in the beauty
of nature and in sharing his story as a cautionary tale to others.
The poem ends with the mariner
addressing the wedding guest and imparting the moral lesson of his tale. He
warns the guest and the reader about the consequences of disregarding the
natural world and the supernatural forces that govern it. He emphasizes the
importance of appreciating and respecting the beauty of nature and the
mysteries of the supernatural realm.
FAQ.
Q: What is the theme of "The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner"?
A: The main themes of "The
Rime of the Ancient Mariner" include the supernatural, guilt, redemption,
the power of nature, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The poem
explores the consequences of human actions, the importance of respecting nature
and supernatural forces, and the need for repentance and forgiveness.
Q: What is the significance of the supernatural elements in the
poem?
A: The supernatural elements in
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" serve to create a sense of mystery,
awe, and otherworldliness in the poem. The ghostly ship, the supernatural
beings, and the curse on the mariner are all supernatural elements that
contribute to the overall atmosphere of the poem. They also highlight the theme
of the supernatural and its influence on human actions, serving as a metaphor
for the consequences of disregarding the natural world and the supernatural
forces that govern it.
Q: How does guilt and redemption play a role in the poem?
A: Guilt and redemption are central themes in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." The mariner feels immense guilt for killing the albatross, and this guilt torments him throughout the poem. However, through repentance and prayer, the mariner seeks redemption and ultimately finds forgiveness and salvation. His journey from guilt to redemption is a key aspect of the poem, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and seeking redemption for past mistakes.
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