Literary Analysis Essay on "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"

Introduction

The poem by Coleridge, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," is one that tells the story of a protagonist who loses his soul and the lives of his shipmates' to sins (Coleridge, 1898, 06). Through stages of penance, repentance, absolution, and redemption, the poet depicts the results of sins and what humankind must do to get salvation. As defined in the 12th chapter of William Mattison's book "True happiness and the virtues," sin is "an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; it is as a result of a failure in the genuine love of God and neighbour which is caused by a perverse attachment to material things." The definition goes further to conclude that "sin wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity" (Mattison, 2008, 235). The definition agrees with the central theme of the poem which highlights the effects of sins and the punishment associated with sinning as narrated in the adventures of The Ancient Mariner.

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The Origin of Sins and the Theme of Human Pride

The sins originate with the Mariner's decision to kill the Albatross out of no good reason to justify his actions (Coleridge, 1898, 03). Moreover, his actions show the perversity of will, pride, and lack of understanding that every creature was made by God and has a purpose in the natural world. The sin also portrays how human has become the destructor of what is created purely to glorify God (Mulligan, 2010). The Albatross is a bird depicted in the story as the representation of God's glory and is used by the poet to show how man is a destructor rather than a protector. The bird can also be hailed in God's name "as if it had been a Christian soul." It is friendly to the sailors, and its existence is welcomed in the ship until suddenly it is killed. The death is not trivial; for it signifies the violation of the sanctified relations of the host and the guest. Therefore, based on Mattison's definition of sins, the Mariner commits an offence which is against "reason, truth and right conscience" (Mattison, 2008, 235).

Consequences of Sin: Suffering, Death, and Separation From God

Sins bring suffering and death in the world. Sinful actions are a significant hindrance in the ability to find peace and live a happy life. Mattison analysis associates sins with the manifestation of false estimation of how to live a good life. Secondly, sins are offensive to God as they express human pride and the unwillingness to follow the divine will of God (Mattison, 2008, 237). The poem highlights this theme of human pride through the Mariner and the sailors who are reckless, selfish and puts themselves first at the expense of God and his creation. Pride is the root of all sin and the primary source of conflict between man and God. As seen in the story of Cain and Abel when God asked Cain on the where about of his brother, we find pride being revealed in how he answers to God. Similarly, the poem shows pride as the significant fallout between the sailors and God, where they lose Gods favour and supernatural evil powers which are "Death and Life-in-Death" cast dice to determine the fate of the Mariner and the ship crew. As a result, death emerges victorious where the two hundred crew members die one by one (Coleridge, 1898, 07). In this case, death represents human fate when he distances himself from God. The bible is clear on the future of sinners where the hell and eternal suffering awaits them - however those who seek repentance as capable of redeeming their souls and acquiring the gift of eternal life.

The Mariner's Redemption: Repentance, Penance, and Absolution

The reason why the Mariners' shipmates face the cruel fate of death is that they become accomplices in the crime. At first, they disapprove of the Mariner's action of killing an innocent creature which they claim has good omen, but later when the fog clears off, and the sun shines again, the men glorify his actions by saying that "Twas right, said they, such bird to slay. That bring the fog and mist" (Coleridge, 1898, 03). The statement blames the fog on the killed bird, and this makes them accomplishes of the crime. The actions of the sailors teach Christians that they should judge of action not by the absolute standard of right and wrong, but by an arbitrary criterion of its utility to themselves. By believing that the poor bird has the power to influence the weather, the sailors are depicted as ignorant and without prior knowledge of Gods power. Mattisson explains that "a proud man is always looking down on things and people; and of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see what is above you" (Mattison, 2008, 239). To remedy that he suggests that when coming in the presence of God you should trust his divine powers and ability for you come up against something which is in every respect superior to yourself."

The mariner pays the most significant punishment for his sins against God and his creation. In the poem we find him narrating that "alone in a wide sea! And never a Saint took pity; my soul in agony" (Coleridge, 1898,, 07) He is given a chance to reflect and pay for his mistakes before he can get a chance to redeem himself. We find God putting him through immense suffering where for seven days and nights he faces the curse in the dead man's eye yet he spared from death. In the end, his fortunes turn for the better after he learns and repents his sins, where under the moonlight he watches the water-snakes moving as if in a dance track and feels fascinated by the beauty of God's creation. At last a spring of love gushes from his heart, and he blesses them unawares. After praying the albatross falls into the sea marking a new beginning and his redemption from sins. The transformation after repentance is remarkable for he experiences peace of mind and rejuvenation like never before. The Mariner finds sleep, and when he is finally up, rain comes down to quench his thirst and bring him freshness. The ship begins to sail again with a roaring sound of the wind through untouched by the wind (Coleridge, 1898, 09). In this case, the sailing of the vessel signifies the beginning of the onward flow of life and recovery from the setbacks brought about by sins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we learn that despite pride being the deadliest sin that more often separates humanity from the grace of God. We can get forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross each time we repent (Mattison, 2008, 238). The poem, however, warns Christians that even though forgiveness is guaranteed, our actions have consequences and are punishable. We have a responsibility of overcoming all types of sins, not by assuming that we are holly, but acknowledging that we are sinners and in need of redemption. Just as the saints are not falsely humbled by acknowledging their sinfulness, so should Christians never get tired of admitting they are sinners and seek forgiveness (Mulligan, 2010). The poem ends with the Mariner back in his country where he meets the holy hermit, and confesses his guilt and thus restored to a place among the living. Similarly Christians should reflect and seek help from other people when in need to overcome the human sinfulness.

References

Coleridge, S. T. (1898). Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

Mattison, W. C. (2008). Introducing Moral Theology: True Happiness and the Virtues. Brazos P.

Mulligan, S. (2010). Book Review: Moral Theology. Irish Theological Quarterly, 75(1), 109-110.