Introduction: “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge was first published in 1798 as part of the collaborative collection Lyrical Ballads with William Wordsworth. This groundbreaking collection marked a significant shift in English poetry, ushering in the Romantic era. Part II of the poem is characterized by its vivid imagery, supernatural elements, and haunting atmosphere, which continue the mariner’s tale of guilt and isolation after killing the albatross. The poem’s popularity endures due to its rich symbolism, exploration of themes like sin and redemption, and the mesmerizing rhythm and sound devices that make it a captivating and enduring work of literature.
Text: “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
The sun now rose upon the right:
Out of the sea came he,
Still hid in mist, and on the left
Went down into the sea.
And the good south wind still blew behind,
But no sweet bird did follow,
Nor any day for food or play
Came to the mariners’ hollo!
And I had done an hellish thing,
And it would work ’em woe:
For all averred, I had killed the bird
That made the breeze to blow.
Ah wretch! said they, the bird to slay,
That made the breeze to blow!
Nor dim nor red, like an angel’s head,
The glorious sun uprist:
Then all averred, I had killed the bird
That brought the fog and mist.
‘Twas right, said they, such birds to slay,
That bring the fog and mist.
The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,
The furrow followed free;
We were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.
Down dropped the breeze, the sails dropped down,
‘Twas sad as sad could be;
And we did speak only to break
The silence of the sea!
All in a hot and copper sky,
The bloody sun, at noon,
Right up above the mast did stand,
No bigger than the moon.
Day after day, day after day,
We stuck, nor breath nor motion;
As idle as a painted ship
Upon a painted ocean.
Water, water, everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any dropp to drink.
The very deeps did rot: O Christ!
That ever this should be!
Yea, slimy things did crawl with legs
Upon the slimy sea.
About, about, in reel and rout
The death-fires danced at night;
The water, like a witch’s oils,
Burnt green, and blue and white.
And some in dreams assured were
Of the spirit that plagued us so;
Nine fathom deep he had followed us
From the land of mist and snow.
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.
Ah! wel-a-day! what evil looks
Had I from old and young!
Instead of the cross, the albatross
About my neck was hung.
Annotations: “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
Stanza 1:
- Setting: The sun rises and sets, marking the passage of time.
- Shift in tone: The initial good south wind doesn’t bring birds, hinting at a change in fortune.
Stanza 2:
- Guilt: The mariner admits to a terrible deed (killing the albatross) and anticipates its consequences.
- Blame: The crew blames the mariner for the lack of wind and food.
Stanza 3:
- Misplaced blame: The crew’s opinion shifts, blaming the mariner for the fog and mist.
- Sun imagery: The sun, often a symbol of hope, appears unusually ‘dim nor red.’
Stanza 4:
- False hope: The breeze returns, but it leads them into an eerie, silent sea.
- Isolation: The ‘silent sea’ emphasizes their growing separation from the natural world.
Stanza 5:
- Stagnation: The wind and sails drop, mirroring the crew’s despair and immobility.
- Silence: Their speech only highlights the oppressive silence of their surroundings.
Stanza 6:
- Heat and Oppression: The sun becomes a menacing presence, small and intense.
- Unnatural imagery: The sun’s appearance is distorted, adding to the sense of unease.
Stanza 7:
- Despair: The days blur together as they remain trapped in their motionless ship.
- Painted ship metaphor: The ship becomes an artificial object in an artificial world.
Stanza 8:
- Irony: They are surrounded by water but cannot drink it.
- Physical deterioration: The ship’s boards shrink, reflecting the crew’s suffering.
Stanza 9:
- Decay: The depths of the sea rot, and slimy creatures appear.
- Spiritual crisis: The mariner calls out to Christ, highlighting the despair.
Stanza 10:
- Supernatural elements: Strange lights dance on the water at night.
- Witchcraft imagery: The water takes on an unnatural, eerie glow.
Stanza 11:
- Dreams and paranoia: The crew dreams of a spirit that haunts them.
- Depth of pursuit: The spirit is said to have followed them from the ‘land of mist and snow.’
Stanza 12:
- Physical consequences: The drought leaves the crew unable to speak.
- Soot metaphor: Their inability to speak is compared to choking on soot, a symbol of death and industry.
Stanza 13:
- Blame and punishment: The mariner faces the crew’s hatred and is forced to wear the albatross as a symbol of his guilt.
- Symbolism: The albatross, once a symbol of good luck, becomes a mark of shame.
| Stanza | Annotation | Meaning |
| 1 | The sun rises, and the mist clears, revealing the mariner’s guilt. | The mariner’s journey begins with a sense of hope, but the mist and sea symbolize the unknown and the supernatural. |
| 2 | The good wind blows, but no birds follow, and the mariners face hunger and despair. | The lack of birds and food symbolizes the mariners’ disconnection from nature and their fate. |
| 3 | The mariner confesses to killing the albatross, which brought the wind, and the crew condemns him. | The mariner’s actions have consequences, and he is shunned by his crewmates. |
| 4 | The sun rises, and the crew blames the mariner for killing the bird that brought the fog. | The crew’s superstition and fear are directed at the mariner, who is seen as a cursed figure. |
| 5 | The mariners break into the silent sea, but their progress is short-lived. | The mariners’ journey is marked by moments of progress and stagnation, symbolizing the struggle between fate and human will. |
| 6 | The wind drops, and the mariners are stuck in a hot, copper sky. | The mariners face a desolate and oppressive environment, symbolizing their spiritual and physical confinement. |
| 7 | The sun beats down, and the mariners are trapped in a state of stagnation. | The mariners’ journey is marked by a sense of timelessness and hopelessness. |
| 8 | Water surrounds them, but they have none to drink, and the sea is full of slimy creatures. | The mariners face a desperate and nightmarish situation, symbolizing their spiritual and physical desolation. |
| 9 | The death-fires dance at night, and the water burns with a witch’s oils. | The mariners face a supernatural and eerie environment, symbolizing their fear and despair. |
| 10 | Some mariners dream of the spirit that plagues them, and they are haunted by the albatross. | The mariners’ guilt and fear are internalized, and they are haunted by the consequences of their actions. |
| 11 | The mariners’ tongues are withered, and they cannot speak, symbolizing their disconnection from each other and nature. | The mariners’ inability to speak symbolizes their spiritual and emotional desolation. |
| 12 | The mariner is condemned by old and young, and the albatross is hung around his neck. | The mariner’s guilt and shame are symbolized by the albatross, which serves as a constant reminder of his actions. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
· Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.
- Example: “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew.” (emphasizes the motion and sound of the sea)
· Anaphora: Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or lines.
- Example: “Water, water, everywhere” (emphasizes the abundance of water and the mariner’s thirst)
· Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words.
- Example: “And all the boards did shrink” (creates a sense of dryness and despair)
· Ballad Stanza: A quatrain (four-line stanza) with alternating lines of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter, typically rhyming ABCB.
- Example: (Any stanza in the poem)
· Caesura: A pause or break within a line of poetry.
- Example: “The very deeps did rot: O Christ!” (The pause adds emphasis to the mariner’s exclamation of despair.)
· Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words.
- Example: “Instead of the cross, the albatross” (The repeated ‘s’ sound creates a sinister, hissing effect.)
· Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line of poetry to the next.
- Example: “We were the first that ever burst / Into that silent sea.” (Creates a sense of movement and anticipation)
· Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect.
- Example: “Water, water, everywhere, / Nor any drop to drink.” (Exaggerates the mariner’s thirst to convey desperation)
· Imagery: Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses.
- Example: “The bloody sun, at noon” (creates a visual image of the oppressive, intense sun)
· Internal Rhyme: Rhyme within a single line of poetry.
- Example: “We stuck, nor breath nor motion” (The internal rhyme of “breath” and “motion” emphasizes the stagnation.)
· Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality.
- Example: “Water, water, everywhere, / Nor any drop to drink.” (The irony highlights the mariner’s desperate situation)
· Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “As idle as a painted ship / Upon a painted ocean.” (The ship’s immobility is compared to a static painting.)
· Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds.
- Example: “The death-fires danced at night” (The word “danced” suggests the flickering movement of the fires.)
· Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
- Example: “The sun now rose upon the right” (The sun is described as if it has agency.)
· Repetition: The recurrence of words, phrases, or lines.
- Example: “Day after day, day after day” (Emphasizes the monotonous passage of time and the mariner’s despair)
· Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “The water, like a witch’s oils” (Compares the unnatural appearance of the water to something magical and sinister)
· Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
- Example: The albatross symbolizes nature, innocence, and the mariner’s guilt.
· Tone: The attitude of the speaker or writer.
- Example: The tone shifts from regret and guilt to despair and isolation.
· Visual Imagery: Vivid descriptions that appeal to the sense of sight.
- Example: “All in a hot and copper sky” (Creates a visual image of the oppressive atmosphere)
· Zoomorphism: Attributing animal characteristics to humans or objects.
- Example: “Slimy things did crawl with legs / Upon the slimy sea.” (The sea creatures are described as crawling, suggesting an unsettling, primal quality.)
Themes: “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
- Isolation and Desolation: One prominent theme in “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” is the pervasive sense of isolation and desolation experienced by the sailors as they become stranded in the vast and unforgiving ocean. Coleridge vividly portrays the sailors’ predicament through lines such as “Water, water, everywhere, / And all the boards did shrink” and “As idle as a painted ship / Upon a painted ocean.” These lines emphasize the sailors’ profound sense of loneliness and helplessness as they drift aimlessly without hope of rescue or relief. The imagery of the “painted ship” suggests a surreal, lifeless existence, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of their isolation.
- Man’s Struggle Against Nature: Another theme explored in the poem is the relentless struggle of humanity against the forces of nature. The sailors find themselves at the mercy of the elements, with the sun beating down mercilessly and the wind abandoning them at their time of need. Lines such as “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, / The furrow followed free” contrast sharply with later descriptions of a stagnant, becalmed sea and a scorching sun that “stood / No bigger than the moon.” These passages underscore the sailors’ futile attempts to assert control over their environment, highlighting the overwhelming power and indifference of nature.
- Guilt and Redemption: Guilt and redemption are central themes in the poem, particularly in relation to the Mariner’s actions and their consequences. The killing of the albatross symbolizes a grave moral transgression, as evidenced by the condemnation of the crew and the subsequent hardships they face. Lines such as “Ah wretch! said they, the bird to slay, / That made the breeze to blow!” and “Instead of the cross, the albatross / About my neck was hung” emphasize the weight of the Mariner’s guilt and the burden of his sin. However, redemption also becomes possible through repentance and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all living beings, as hinted at by the Mariner’s eventual penance and spiritual transformation.
- The Supernatural and the Uncanny: The poem also delves into themes of the supernatural and the uncanny, as the sailors encounter eerie and otherworldly phenomena during their voyage. Coleridge employs vivid imagery and vivid descriptions to evoke a sense of dread and foreboding, as seen in lines such as “The water, like a witch’s oils, / Burnt green, and blue and white” and “The death-fires danced at night.” These supernatural elements serve to heighten the atmosphere of the poem, contributing to its sense of mystery and enchantment while also underscoring the perilous nature of the sailors’ journey.
Literary Theories and “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
1. Romantic Theory:
- Emphasis on nature: Part II highlights the mariner’s alienation from the natural world after killing the albatross. The ship becomes trapped in a “silent sea,” the sun turns “bloody,” and the water becomes undrinkable.
- Supernatural elements: The appearance of “slimy things” and “death-fires” dancing on the water, along with the haunting presence of the spirit, emphasize the Romantic fascination with the mysterious and otherworldly.
- Sublime landscapes: The “hot and copper sky” and the “painted ocean” evoke a sense of awe and terror, characteristic of Romantic descriptions of nature’s power.
- Guilt and punishment: The mariner’s suffering in Part II can be interpreted as a psychological manifestation of his guilt for killing the albatross. He is tormented by nightmares of a pursuing spirit and physically burdened by wearing the dead bird around his neck.
- Symbolism of the albatross: The albatross can be seen as a symbol of the mariner’s repressed desires or a reminder of a past trauma. Killing the bird could represent an act of self-sabotage or the destruction of innocence.
- Dream imagery: The crew’s dreams of the spirit and the mariner’s own guilt-ridden visions suggest a subconscious struggle with guilt and the need for redemption.
- Human-nature relationship: Part II explores the consequences of the mariner’s disregard for nature. The poem warns against the exploitation and destruction of the natural world, as the mariner’s actions disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
- Consequences of ecological disruption: The poem depicts the environmental consequences of the mariner’s transgression: the ship becomes stranded, the water turns foul, and the crew suffers from thirst and disease.
- Nature’s agency: The poem presents nature as an active force that can retaliate against human interference. The wind dies down, the sun becomes oppressive, and slimy creatures emerge from the depths, suggesting nature’s power to resist human dominance.
Critical Questions about “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
1. What is the significance of the albatross in Part II of “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner”?
- This question delves into the symbolic importance of the albatross in the poem and its role in shaping the narrative and themes. It prompts analysis of the Mariner’s actions and the consequences of killing the bird, as well as its impact on the Mariner’s psyche and his journey towards redemption. Additionally, it encourages exploration of the albatross as a metaphor for guilt, sin, or the interconnectedness of all living beings.
2. How does Coleridge use imagery and description to evoke the atmosphere of isolation and despair in Part II?
- This question focuses on Coleridge’s skillful use of imagery and descriptive language to create a vivid sense of the sailors’ plight as they become stranded at sea. It invites examination of specific passages that depict the desolate landscape, the oppressive heat of the sun, and the stagnant, motionless sea. By analyzing Coleridge’s techniques, readers can gain insight into the emotional and psychological impact of the sailors’ isolation and the overarching themes of the poem.
3. In what ways does Part II of “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner” explore the theme of humanity’s relationship with nature?
- This question encourages a deeper exploration of the poem’s portrayal of humanity’s interaction with the natural world and the consequences of disrupting the balance of nature. It prompts analysis of the sailors’ struggles against the elements, their attempts to assert control over their environment, and the repercussions of their actions. Additionally, it invites consideration of the poem’s ecological themes and its relevance to contemporary discussions about humanity’s impact on the environment.
4. How does Coleridge use supernatural elements and imagery to enhance the thematic depth of Part II?
- This question focuses on Coleridge’s incorporation of supernatural elements and imagery to imbue the poem with a sense of mystery, wonder, and foreboding. It prompts examination of the eerie phenomena encountered by the sailors, such as the “death-fires” that dance at night and the surreal description of the sun. By analyzing the role of the supernatural in the poem, readers can gain insight into its thematic significance and its contribution to the overall tone and atmosphere of the narrative.
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
| Topic | Questions | Thesis Statement |
| Symbolism of the Albatross | What does the albatross symbolize in Part II of “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner”? | In “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II,” Samuel Taylor Coleridge employs the albatross as a powerful symbol of guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, shaping the narrative and themes of the poem. |
| Nature and Humanity’s Relationship | How does Coleridge explore the theme of humanity’s relationship with nature in Part II? | Part II of “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner” delves into humanity’s struggle against the forces of nature, examining the consequences of disrupting the balance of the natural world and the profound impact of environmental degradation on human existence. |
| Supernatural Elements and Imagery | How does Coleridge use supernatural elements and imagery to enhance the thematic depth of Part II? | Coleridge employs supernatural elements and vivid imagery in Part II of “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner” to imbue the poem with a sense of mystery, wonder, and foreboding, enhancing its thematic richness and contributing to its enduring appeal. |
| Psychological Effects of Isolation | What is the psychological impact of isolation on the characters in Part II? | Part II of “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner” explores the profound psychological effects of isolation and despair on the characters, illuminating the human condition and offering profound insights into the complexities of the mind. |
Literary Works Similar to “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
- “The Wanderings of Oisin” by W.B. Yeats: This epic poem delves into Irish mythology, following Oisin’s journey to the mystical land of Tir na nOg. Similar to the mariner, Oisin faces isolation and a longing for a lost world.
- “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Lord Tennyson: This poem explores themes of isolation and the consequences of breaking societal norms. The Lady of Shalott, confined to her tower, weaves a tapestry based on reflections in a mirror, much like the mariner’s detachment from the natural world.
- “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” by Lord Byron: This long narrative poem follows the travels of Childe Harold, a disillusioned young man who seeks solace in nature and historical sites. Like the mariner, Childe Harold grapples with guilt and isolation.
- “La Belle Dame sans Merci” by John Keats: This ballad tells the story of a knight who falls under the spell of a mysterious fairy woman. Similar to the supernatural elements in “The Rime,” the poem explores themes of enchantment, longing, and the dangers of obsession.
- “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: This dark and atmospheric poem features a grieving narrator haunted by a raven who utters the word “Nevermore.” Like the mariner’s encounter with the ghostly spirit, the poem delves into themes of loss, despair, and the supernatural.
Suggested Readings: “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
Books:
- Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Edited by Paul H Fry, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 1999.
- Magnuson, Paul. Coleridge and Wordsworth: A Lyrical Dialogue. Princeton University Press, 1988.
Articles:
- Gravil, Richard, and Molly Lefebure. Coleridge Connection: Essays For Thomas Mcfarland. Springer, 1990.
- McGann, Jerome J. “The Meaning of the Ancient Mariner.” Critical Inquiry, vol. 8, no. 1, 1981, pp. 35-67.
- Shaffer, E. S. “Kubla Khan” and “The Fall of Jerusalem”: The Mythological School in Biblical Criticism and Secular Literature 1770-1880.” Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 96, no. 3, 1977, pp. 331-351.
Weblinks:
- “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (full text and analysis): https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43997/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner-text-of-1834
- https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/samuel-taylor-coleridge/
- https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/jan/27/samuel-taylor-coleridge-richard-holmes
Representative Quotations from “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner Part II” by Samuel T. Coleridge
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “And I had done an hellish thing, / And it would work ’em woe:” | Mariner confesses to killing the albatross | Guilt and Shame (Psychoanalytic): Mariner’s guilt and shame over killing the albatross symbolize the unconscious mind’s role in shaping actions. |
| “The bloody sun, at noon, / Right up above the mast did stand, / No bigger than the moon.” | Sun beats down on the mariners | Imprisonment and Desolation (Existentialist): The sun’s oppressive presence symbolizes the mariners’ entrapment and desolation. |
| “Water, water, everywhere, / And all the boards did shrink; / Water, water, everywhere, / Nor any drop to drink.” | Mariners face dehydration and despair | Lack and Longing (Lacanian): The mariners’ desperate search for water symbolizes the human desire for fulfillment and the impossibility of attaining it. |
| “The very deeps did rot: O Christ! / That ever this should be!” | Mariners face a nightmarish sea | The Uncanny and the Unknown (Freudian): The rotting sea symbolizes the return of the repressed and the unknown, evoking fear and anxiety. |
| “About, about, in reel and rout / The death-fires danced at night;” | Death-fires dance in the darkness | Supernatural and the Irrational (Gothic): The death-fires symbolize the supernatural and irrational forces that haunt human existence. |
| “And some in dreams assured were / Of the spirit that plagued us so;” | Mariners dream of the spirit that plagues them | The Power of the Unconscious (Jungian): The spirit symbolizes the collective unconscious and its influence on human thoughts and actions. |
| “Nine fathom deep he had followed us / From the land of mist and snow.” | Spirit follows the mariners | The Inescapable Past (Historical): The spirit symbolizes the inescapable nature of the past and its influence on human lives. |
| “Instead of the cross, the albatross / About my neck was hung.” | Mariner wears the albatross as a symbol of guilt | Guilt and Redemption (Christian): The albatross symbolizes the mariner’s guilt and his need for redemption, echoing Christian themes of sin and forgiveness. |