Ancient Mariner Symbolism – Introduction
This long poem mostly takes place at sea, where the Ancient Mariner becomes cursed for killing a sacred sea bird. At sea, the Mariner ultimately winds up alone, struggling with spirits both seen and unseen that represent the mystical beauty of nature. This story is framed in a context of being verbally related to another man. The Mariner tells his harrowing experiences at sea to a young man who is trying to attend a wedding. This storytelling is taking place outside a wedding hall.
The motifs of this poem speak to the spiritual beauty of nature, much like the symbols of the poem do. Motifs of conversation, delight in the natural world, and prayer show up to highlight the idea that natural processes and experiences are next to godliness. The beauty of the natural world opens one’s hard to receiving goodness as opposed to the human-led forces of corruption, sin, violence, etc.
Symbols in The Ancient Mariner
Here is a list of symbols in The Ancient Mariner,
- The Sun
- The Moon
- Dreams
Symbolism in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
The Sun
In this poem, the sun is compared to God—glorious, revered, and bright. When the Mariner’s ship is being punished for his crime of killing the Albatross, the sun is part of that punishment. It beats down on the motionless ship and contributes to their dehydration.
This speaks to the idea that God is vengeful and will seek vengeance over man’s sins. The sun also speaks to God’s undeniable power and influence over man, positioning him as the ultimate source of authority over man and nature.
The Moon
Interestingly, the moon also symbolizes God but in a less wrathful way. The moon symbolizes the compassionate side to God.
This is the side of God that embodies benevolence and honors repentance for one’s sins. The things that occur at night in the poem are generally less horrific than what occurs during the day. Moonlight is less abrasive on the ship and can even represent tenderness amidst suffering.
Dreams
Dreams help to emphasize the power of imagination, one of the poem’s strongest thematic elements.
This poem speaks to the powers found in the subconscious that are brought out through dreams. For example, the Mariner begins to understand the curse he is under when he is knocked out and hears two voices explaining what is happening to him and his ship.
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