Ancient Mariner
i need some metaphors for the poem: the rime of the ancient mariner?
i need biblical metaphors for the poem: the rime of the ancient mariner
Also, if you could post links aswell that would be great. Finally I’m mostly stuck on the first part and the last 2 or 3 parts of the poem. Thank you!
The poem is written in seven parts, a note worthy of mention itself because in the Christian religion the number seven holds a special symbolic meaning. It is particularly relevant in apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Revelation. Indeed, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner could very well be said to be an apocalyptic story told in a fashion after Biblical apocalyptic literature. Seven, in a Biblical sense, symbolizes perfection, especially God’s perfection.
But what does perfection have to do with the story? Only that the fate of the seaman who killed the albatross was determined supernaturally by a perfect God for his cruel act. Throughout the poem, references to God are prominent, including the verse in which the albatross is shot:
‘God save thee, ancient Mariner!
From the fiends, that plague thee thus!–
Why look’st thou so?’–’With my cross-bow
I shot the Albatross.’
Coleridge knew his audience. They were English speakers and English readers. Coleridge himself was an Englishman. They were also Christian and they would be familiar with the Christian story. The albatross itself was a reference to Christ, a symbol, and this “hellish” seaman had killed it!
And I had done a 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 God’s own 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.
In other words, the story about the fate of the man who kills God, the One who makes the breeze to blow and brings the fog and mist. It is “a hellish thing.”
http://www.world-class-poetry.com/Rime-of-the-Ancient-Mariner.html
For Explanation of Part 1
http://www.gradesaver.com/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner/study-guide/section1/
Explanation for all parts are available as links at the following website.
http://www.gradesaver.com/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner/study-guide/essay-questions/
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner Full Length
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