Morality and Mysticism in "Rime"

Eve Bell

30 April 2010

"The Ancient Mariner" is emblematic of ancient texts in both moral hypothesis and versification. That is not to imply the meter of the poem resembles ancient forms, but that the Romantic language used is intended to represent the theoretical, fundamental "truths" ancient texts were believed to contain. Examination of Coleridge's "Rime," suggests that the parable and semantics therein are intended to pursue a genuine imaginative human ideology. In keeping with primitive philosophy, the ambiguous dialect of the "Rime" reinforces the conclusion that moral (truth), is a perpetual undertaking acquired by a penitent mind.

The albatross in "Rime" depicts the polarization in human deportment that is prevalent in many of the Gothic works of the era. At once, the albatross is a simile of goodness and light leading the ship through the tumultuous seascape "as if it had been a Christian soul," and a burden or penance to be requited "instead of the cross, the Albatross about my neck was hung" (Coleridge 240-2). The impassivity of the Mariner toward a fundamentally good omen illustrates the principles supporting antiquarian views of nature and spirituality. Coleridge conveys the mystic connection of man with nature as a pure and hallowed proviso, a relationship that must be in balance or suffer consequences. The Albatross represents virtue in nature and simplicity and upon being killed, upends that balance, and plunges humanity into indefinite purgatory.

The mystic qualities in "Rime" leave the reader room for many inferences; perhaps intentionally, as multiple interpretations of ethical meaning challenge the belief that humanity can calculate the supernatural. Theorist Frances Ferguson states, "Most critical readings of The Mariner reflect "a craving for causes," which Coleridge may not have intended the poem to satisfy (Ferguson). For instance, the Mariner detains one of three "gallants" who are on their way to a wedding ceremony. The usage of the term "gallant" can plausibly be defined as someone who is courteous and thoughtful, or "courtly." (WNW) Considering the era's division in literary style into courtly and folk traditions, there is ample fodder to conclude it is the Mariner's intent to acquaint this gentleman (of monarchical proclivity) with the virtue of folk mores and spiritual conviction. Conversely, the primitive belief that man is inherently "in tune" with nature, is undermined by the actions of the Mariner's crew; they reproach what they know to be right, "'Twas right, said they, such birds to slay, that bring the fog and mist" (Coleridge 241). Without guiding principles like religious conviction, humanity ultimately strays from a righteous path.

The argument may be established, that rationalist thought perpetuated the theory of original genius; and the proclivity for folk inspired literary style to encompassing moral principle as inherent or proverbial in nature, does not exist without deliberation of the divine. Humanity's quest for universal truth lies in the symbiotic relationship between nature and God.

Works Cited

Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Ed. Bloom, Harold and Lionel Trilling. The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: Romantic Prose and Poetry. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. 238-54.

Ferguson, Frances. "Coleridge and the Deluded Reader: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Georgia Review. Iss. 31 (1977), 617- 35. David Miall, ed. Department of English, University of Alberta. 23 June 2007.

Webster's New World Dictionary. "Courtly." Pearsons, Enid and Carol G. Braham Ed. New York: Random House Reference, Inc. © 2000.