Romanticism Essay

Romantic characteristics are exemplified in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” through the awe of nature, the supernatural world, imprisonment, and strong emotions. These characteristics shape the poem and help the reader understand who the Mariner is as a person. They also help the reader understand his pain and agony throughout the poem.

In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, Coleridge emphasizes the natural world’s overwhelming power over man. At some points throughout the poem, the natural world is personified to be a character acting against the Ancient Mariner. From the moment the Ancient Mariner kills the albatross, vengeance comes in a form of natural phenomena. An example of this is shown when Coleridge says, “For all averred, I had killed the bird

That made the breeze to blow” (93-95). The natural world is “punishing” the Mariner for killing the albatross by stopping the wind. Another example of punishment in the form of natural phenomena is, “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” (96-100). The natural world wants to make the Mariner suffer by intensifying the sun. By stopping the wind and intensifying the sun, the natural world shows the Mariner that he isn’t stronger. After the natural world stopped the rainfall and “The very deeps did rot” does the Mariner start to express love toward the natural world (123). After he expresses his love, it rains, but the storm is extremely harsh. “And soon I heard a roaring wind: It did not come anear; But with its sound it shook the sails, That were so thin and sere” (309-312). The natural world rewards the Ancient Mariner with the rain, but shows that the retribution isn’t over. At the end of the poem, the Ancient Mariner preaches respect for the natural world.

In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, Coleridge uses the connection between the physical world and the supernatural world to emphasize the Mariner’s...