Samuel Coleridge and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1772−1834 crafted "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" as his only major poem, embodying key elements of Romanticism while drawing on traditional ballad forms. The poem's title itself reflects the Romantic fascination with the medieval period, using the archaic term "mariner" for sailor.
Highlight: The poem is structured as a ballad in seven parts, blending traditional and Romantic elements.
The traditional ballad features present in the poem include:
- A combination of dialogue and narration
- Four-line stanzas
- Archaic language
- Themes of travel and wandering
- Supernatural elements
What sets "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" apart as a Romantic ballad is its inclusion of a moral at the end, adding depth and philosophical weight to the narrative.
Vocabulary: Argument - In literary terms, an "Argument" is a brief summary or outline of the main points of a work, often placed at the beginning.
The poem is introduced by an 'Argument' that provides a concise summary of the entire work. The narrative structure is complex, consisting of two intertwined narratives:
- The captions, which form the framework or "cornice" of the poem
- The main poem itself
This dual narrative approach contributes to the poem's mysterious atmosphere, inviting readers to explore multiple layers of meaning.
Quote: "The atmosphere of the whole poem is full of mystery."
The characters in the poem, particularly the mariner and his shipmates, are presented as archetypes rather than fully developed individuals. Their experiences and sufferings are portrayed as universally human, allowing readers to connect with the narrative on a deeper level.