Rime of the Ancient Mariner - Context Flashcards
what allegory (theme) is present in Mariner
Christian allegory
examples of Christian allegory in Mariner
could be carrying message of ‘thou shalt not kill’
be an allegorical representation of Adam and Eve’s original sin (albatross = apple)
Judas’ betrayal of Christ (albatross = Christ, Mariner = Judas)
allegorical representation of Adam and Eve’s original sin
albatross = apple
the act of killing a bird instigates a break with nature - bringing the Mariner out of harmony with the natural world
sin causes punishment akin to the falling of man
how is guilt of Mariner shown through symbol for Christ in the poem
the albatross is hung around Mariner’s neck (like Jesus on the cross)
elements of resurrection within the poem
how does Coleridge break the typical ‘mould’ of Christian allegory
he pairs supernatural elements (features of epic poems) with Christian elements to portray the universal whole
what mental illnesses did Coleridge likely suffer from
anxiety and depression - and probs bipolar disorder
how is Coleridge’s depression and anxiety symbolised
the loneliness and prolonged death of Mariner
begging for help
panic of the Mariner through his distress
what addiction(s) were Coleridge presumed to have dealt with
opium (and alcoholism)
how did Coleridge’s addiction to opium affect his work
opium caused hallucinations and delusions (like heroine) - Coleridge’s wild and vivid fantasies likely came from being high on the drug (the voices, dead men etc)
what fear was it rumoured that Coleridge also had
a fear of hell (stygiophobia)
what is an epic poem
a long and narrative poem consisting of serious subjects/matters and a heroic figure
usually involves the supernatural, and is written in an elevated style
how is sin and penance relevant in Mariner (context)
linked strongly to Christianity
Mariner - crime text
was NOT originally presented by Coleridge as a crime text (possibly a relevant interpretation at the time)
important to remember that “Coleridge’s text was not originally perceived as a crime text…” in essay lol
- could highlight questions of what defines a crime or the power of interpretation (mirroring addiction??)
