Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Lyrical Ballads - William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

Name: lilizard

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Product:	Lyrical Ballads - William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date:	28/09/01 (947 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A Classic, Contains so much

Disadvantages: Requires work to get the most out of it

Although only one of the works in this volume, it is worth buying for this epic Of Coleridge's alone.

There is so much going on in this poem and so much has been written about it that it is hard to know where to begin!

The themes are numerous, influenced by Coleridge's opium addiction and religious quandary. The symbols used can be interpreted in many ways but there is a clear Christian element prevailing, as well as the ancient theme of the Quest.

The poem tells the story of a sailor who on a voyage shot an Albatross and subsequently endures storms and madness. This may seem odd but the albatross is seen to represent God and once shot, is hung around the mariner's neck. At this point it also symbolises a crucifix and weighs heavily upon him.

Great storms wrack the ship and the rest of the crew perish leaving the Mariner alone, tied to the mast of his ship with the albatross still there.

As he drifts alone through the ocean the Mariner reflects on many things, including his heinous act of killing a creature. Eventually he comes to terms with God and the albatross slides from his neck.

This is only a very brief description of the poem and there is so much to be interpreted from every 4 line stanza.

Perhaps the most famous line from this poem is "Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink" and many people are surprised to find it in the poem!

This is a true classic which is well worth your time and effort.

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