The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Questions Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the main speaker in the poem?
The Ancient Mariner.
Who does the Mariner stop to tell his tale to?
A Wedding-Guest.
What did the Mariner kill that brought a curse upon him?
An Albatross.
How does the crew initially react to the killing of the Albatross?
They condemn the Mariner.
What happened to the wind after the Mariner killed the Albatross?
The wind stopped, and the ship was stranded.
What phrase describes the sailors’ lack of water despite being surrounded by the sea?
“Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink.”
What does the crew hang around the Mariner’s neck as punishment?
The dead Albatross.
What supernatural figures gamble for the Mariner’s fate?
Death and Life-in-Death.
Who wins the Mariner in the dice game?
Life-in-Death.
What happens to the Mariner’s crew after Life-in-Death wins?
The crew dies.
What natural elements does the Mariner bless that marks his redemption?
The sea snakes.
What happens to the Albatross after the Mariner blesses the sea creatures?
It falls from his neck into the sea.
Who are the spirits that help move the ship after the crew dies?
The spirits of the dead crew.
What does the Mariner hear when the ship reaches the harbor?
The sound of the Pilot’s boat approaching.
Who is in the boat that comes to rescue the Mariner?
The Pilot, the Pilot’s boy, and the Hermit.
What is the Hermit’s role in the Mariner’s tale?
To shrieve (absolve) the Mariner of his sins.
What happens to the ship when the boat approaches?
It sinks suddenly.
What does the Mariner feel compelled to do after his experience?
To travel and tell his tale.
What effect does the Mariner’s tale have on the Wedding-Guest?
He becomes sadder and wiser.
What does the Mariner say is necessary for good prayer?
To love all of God’s creatures, both great and small.
What natural force guides the Mariner’s ship after the curse is lifted?
The Moon.
What was the weather like when the Albatross first appeared?
Mist and snow surrounded the ship.
What poetic form does Coleridge use for the poem?
A ballad.
What is the moral lesson the Mariner shares at the end of the poem?
To love all living things created by God.
How does the Mariner know who needs to hear his story?
He can recognize them by looking into their face.
What supernatural element controls the ship’s movement after the crew dies?
The wind and water spirits.
What sound causes the ship to sink?
A loud rumbling sound from beneath the water.
Why does the Mariner describe the ocean as “rotting”?
It reflects the unnatural stagnation and curse on the ship.
Who does the Mariner seek forgiveness from after his ordeal?
The Hermit.
What causes the Mariner’s “woful agony” to end?
Telling his tale releases him from his pain.
Short Answer Questions
What is the significance of the Albatross in the poem?
The Albatross symbolizes nature and God’s creation. When the Mariner kills the bird without reason, he disrupts the natural order, bringing a curse upon the ship and crew. The Albatross hanging around his neck represents the burden of guilt he must carry for his reckless act. Its fall into the sea later marks his spiritual redemption.
How does Coleridge use the supernatural in the poem?
Coleridge incorporates supernatural elements, such as Life-in-Death, Death, spirits, and strange weather phenomena, to heighten the sense of mystery and moral consequence. These elements blur the line between the real and the otherworldly, reflecting the Mariner’s journey from guilt to redemption and the immense power of nature and fate.
How does the Mariner achieve redemption in the poem?
The Mariner achieves redemption when he begins to recognize and appreciate the beauty of all living creatures, symbolized by his spontaneous blessing of the sea snakes. This act lifts the curse placed upon him, and the Albatross falls from his neck. However, full redemption comes when he continuously shares his tale, teaching others about the importance of loving all of God’s creatures.
What role do the spirits play in the poem?
The spirits serve as forces of nature and the supernatural that guide the Mariner’s fate. After the death of the crew, the spirits move the ship, symbolizing forces beyond human control. They discuss the Mariner’s penance and communicate the theme of justice and mercy, with one spirit revealing that the Mariner still has penance to fulfill.
Why does the Wedding-Guest listen to the Mariner’s story, and what effect does it have on him?
The Wedding-Guest is initially captivated by the Mariner’s “glittering eye” and cannot leave, compelled by a mysterious force. As he listens, the tale affects him profoundly, leaving him “sadder and wiser.” The Mariner’s cautionary story teaches the Wedding-Guest a moral lesson about respecting nature and the weight of sin.
How does Coleridge use imagery to depict the isolation of the Mariner?
Coleridge uses vivid imagery to emphasize the Mariner’s isolation, particularly after the death of his crew. Phrases like “Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea!” and descriptions of the vast, desolate ocean create a sense of profound solitude. The supernatural silence and eerie calm surrounding him heighten this feeling of isolation.
What is the role of the Hermit in the poem?
The Hermit represents spiritual guidance and absolution. He is described as a pious man who prays regularly and enjoys talking to mariners. When the Mariner meets the Hermit after his ordeal, he seeks forgiveness for his sins. The Hermit listens to his confession, signifying the Mariner’s desire for repentance and redemption.
What does the Mariner mean by the phrase “He prayeth well, who loveth well”?
The Mariner expresses the moral lesson that true prayer and devotion come from a deep love and respect for all of God’s creations. He learns that love for all living things, both “great and small,” is the foundation of spiritual fulfillment and connection to the divine. This realization is central to the Mariner’s redemption.
Why do Death and Life-in-Death play dice for the Mariner’s fate?
Death and Life-in-Death symbolize different outcomes for the Mariner. While Death wins the lives of the crew, Life-in-Death wins the Mariner, condemning him to live with the guilt and agony of his actions. The dice game reflects the randomness of fate and the Mariner’s inescapable suffering until he earns redemption.
How does Coleridge convey the theme of guilt and penance in the poem? Guilt and penance are central themes that Coleridge conveys through the Mariner’s journey. The Mariner’s senseless killing of the Albatross brings a curse upon him, and he bears the weight of his guilt both physically (with the Albatross around his neck) and emotionally. His penance is ongoing, as he must forever wander, telling his story to impart the moral lesson and relieve his heart’s agony.
Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Introduction
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is one of the most renowned works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published in 1798 as part of Lyrical Ballads, a collection co-authored with William Wordsworth. The poem is a cornerstone of English Romanticism and is celebrated for its profound exploration of sin, guilt, and redemption. Set in a maritime backdrop with rich supernatural elements, the poem traces the harrowing journey of a Mariner who suffers for killing an innocent albatross and ultimately finds redemption after enduring a long period of suffering and self-realization.
Central Idea
The poem revolves around the Mariner’s violation of the natural order by killing an albatross, which brings a curse upon him and his crew. The central idea is a moral and spiritual one—highlighting the consequences of disrespecting nature and all living beings. The Mariner’s suffering, isolation, and eventual redemption illustrate the idea that one must learn to love and respect all creatures to be forgiven for past sins. Through the Mariner’s journey, Coleridge emphasizes the importance of spiritual awakening, repentance, and the sanctity of all life.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is structured as a ballad, divided into seven parts, each chronicling a different stage of the Mariner’s tale. The ballad form, with its quatrains and alternating rhyme schemes (ABCB), lends a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem. The simplicity of the rhyme scheme contrasts with the complexity of the themes, creating an accessible yet deeply philosophical narrative. Coleridge uses repetition, internal rhyme, and alliteration throughout, enhancing the poem’s lyrical nature and its oral storytelling tradition.
Themes
Coleridge addresses several significant themes in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner that contribute to its richness and complexity:
Sin and Redemption: The central theme of the poem revolves around the Mariner’s sin of killing the innocent Albatross and the long journey of atonement that follows. The Mariner’s ultimate redemption comes not through suffering alone, but through his realization of the sanctity of all life and his newfound reverence for nature.
The Power of Nature: Nature in the poem is both beautiful and terrifying. Coleridge presents the natural world as a force to be respected and revered, not dominated or exploited. The Mariner’s crime against nature leads to catastrophic consequences, and the forces of nature—including the wind, sea, and sun—become active participants in the Mariner’s punishment and eventual redemption.
Isolation and Loneliness: The Mariner’s isolation after his crime is both physical and psychological. Cut off from his fellow sailors, who die one by one, and from any human companionship, the Mariner must face the consequences of his actions alone. His isolation mirrors the inner torment of guilt that he carries throughout the poem.
Moral and Spiritual Growth: The Mariner’s journey is not just a physical one but a moral and spiritual pilgrimage. His growth from reckless disregard for life to a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings marks the crux of the poem’s moral message. The final lines, where the Mariner teaches that he “prayeth best, who loveth best” both man and beast, encapsulate this spiritual awakening.
Symbolism
Coleridge uses symbolism extensively to add layers of meaning to the poem:
The Albatross: The Albatross symbolizes innocence and the bond between humans and nature. Its death represents the violation of this bond, leading to the Mariner’s suffering and punishment.
The Sun and the Moon: The sun often symbolizes the harshness and judgment of the natural world, while the moon is linked to gentler, guiding forces, particularly in its influence on the sea and tides. The contrast between sun and moon also reflects the shifts between the Mariner’s despair and hope.
The Ghost Ship and the Dice Game: The ghost ship carrying Life-in-Death and Death represents the consequences of sin. The dice game they play symbolizes the randomness of fate and the capricious nature of punishment.
The Sea Creatures: When the Mariner learns to appreciate the beauty of the sea creatures, it marks a turning point in the poem, symbolizing his reconnection with nature and the beginning of his redemption.
Style
Coleridge’s style in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is characterized by vivid imagery, simple yet haunting language, and a blend of natural and supernatural elements. The poem’s archaic language, which mimics medieval ballads, contributes to its timeless and mystical quality. Coleridge effectively contrasts the beauty of the natural world with the horror of the supernatural, using concise, descriptive passages to evoke both wonder and dread.
The use of rich descriptive detail and sensory language immerses readers in the Mariner’s journey, from the icy isolation of the Antarctic to the nightmarish ghost ship. The poet’s ability to juxtapose the real and the surreal creates an ethereal, dreamlike quality, making the poem an immersive experience.
Poetic Devices
Coleridge employs various poetic devices to enhance the narrative’s emotional and philosophical depth:
Alliteration: Coleridge frequently uses alliteration to create musicality and rhythm, such as “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew.”
Repetition: Key lines and phrases are repeated to emphasize the poem’s moral message and the Mariner’s psychological torment, as seen in the recurring line, “Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.”
Imagery: The poem is rich in visual imagery, painting vivid scenes of the ship’s journey, the dead crew, and the supernatural beings. This imagery helps create the haunting atmosphere of the poem.
Symbolism: The albatross symbolizes innocence and the bond between man and nature, while the ghost ship and the dice game represent fate and destiny.
Personification: Nature and cosmic forces are often personified, particularly the sun and moon, which act as active participants in the Mariner’s fate.
Hyperbole: Exaggeration to convey emotion. Example: “A thousand thousand slimy things.”
Simile and Metaphor: Comparisons to explain emotions. Example of Simile: “Ice, mast-high, came floating by, as green as emerald.” Example of Metaphor: “Albatross around the neck” signifies guilt.
Critical Commentary
Critics have long admired The Rime of the Ancient Mariner for its imaginative scope and thematic richness. Romantic critics like Charles Lamb and William Hazlitt praised Coleridge’s use of the supernatural and his ability to blend reality with fantasy. Lamb, in particular, noted Coleridge’s genius for evoking emotion through surreal, dreamlike settings.
Modern critics focus on the psychological depth of the Mariner’s guilt and his need for confession. Some interpret the poem as an allegory of Coleridge’s own struggles with addiction and guilt, as the Mariner’s compulsion to retell his story mirrors Coleridge’s own troubled conscience.
The poem has also been interpreted from an ecological perspective, with critics seeing the Mariner’s punishment as a symbol of humanity’s exploitation of nature and the need for environmental respect and sustainability.
Message
The core message of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a moral one: humans must respect and cherish all forms of life, as everything in the natural world is interconnected. Coleridge suggests that moral and spiritual redemption is possible, but only through suffering, repentance, and the recognition of the sanctity of life. The Mariner’s tale serves as a warning against selfish and thoughtless actions that disrupt the harmony between humanity and nature.
Conclusion
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a complex and profound work that transcends the boundaries of its ballad form. Through its vivid imagery, supernatural elements, and philosophical depth, Coleridge crafts a poem that resonates with both Romantic ideals and universal human concerns. Its exploration of sin, redemption, and the interconnectedness of all life continues to captivate readers and critics alike. The Mariner’s tale, with its moral and spiritual lessons, remains a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human condition and our relationship with the natural world.
Long Note on The Ghost Ship and the Dice Game in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
Introduction: The Ghost Ship and the dice game are pivotal moments in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. These supernatural elements deepen the sense of mystery, fate, and punishment in the poem. The appearance of the ghostly ship and the game of dice between Death and Life-in-Death create a turning point in the Mariner’s journey and mark the beginning of his spiritual and physical torment.
The Ghost Ship: As the Mariner’s ship is stuck in a lifeless, windless sea, a mysterious ship appears on the horizon. This ship is ghostly and otherworldly, moving without any wind in its sails. It is described in eerie detail, with the sun shining through its skeletal frame. Onboard are two supernatural figures—Death and Life-in-Death. They are not ordinary sailors but embodiments of cosmic forces, further heightening the supernatural atmosphere of the poem.
The Dice Game: Death and Life-in-Death are depicted playing a game of dice to determine the fate of the ship’s crew. Death wins the lives of the crew members, who soon perish, while Life-in-Death wins the soul of the Mariner, condemning him to a fate worse than death—eternal suffering and isolation. Life-in-Death’s victory means that the Mariner will live on in torment, haunted by his actions and forced to wander the Earth to tell his tale.
Significance of the Scene:
Symbolism of Fate and Punishment: The dice game symbolizes the randomness of fate and the Mariner’s helplessness in determining his destiny. The Mariner’s life is left to chance, suggesting that forces beyond his control now govern his existence. His punishment is to live and suffer while witnessing the deaths of his crewmates.
Death vs. Life-in-Death: The two figures, Death and Life-in-Death, represent different kinds of suffering. Death offers a release through the end of life, while Life-in-Death condemns the Mariner to a prolonged existence of guilt and horror. Life-in-Death is described as a woman with red lips and pale skin, embodying the eerie and torturous existence that awaits the Mariner.
Supernatural Elements: The appearance of the Ghost Ship and the dice game introduces the supernatural as a key force in the poem. It shows that the natural world, disrupted by the Mariner’s sin (the killing of the Albatross), now answers with cosmic consequences that cannot be escaped. This reinforces the theme of nature’s power and the moral order that governs the universe.
Turning Point in the Poem: This moment marks the beginning of the Mariner’s true suffering and his eventual path to redemption. After the dice game, the Mariner is left alone on the ship, cursed with the guilt of his actions. The death of his crew and his cursed life serve as both a punishment and a lesson that he must carry for the rest of his days.
Conclusion: The Ghost Ship and the dice game are crucial to understanding The Rime of the Ancient Mariner as a story about sin, punishment, and redemption. These elements highlight the role of fate, the supernatural, and the heavy burden of guilt. The Mariner’s survival after the dice game symbolizes that some forms of suffering are worse than death, and his journey becomes a cautionary tale of respect for the natural world and the consequences of one’s actions.
