Theme of Christianity in Rime of the Ancient Mariner Essay

A significant theme in Samuel Coleridges Rime of the Ancient Mariner, is Christianity, which is portrayed through the Mariner’s epic journey. This text is set between the physical world and the metaphysical (spiritual world), similar to religious teachings found in the Bible. With the use of vivid descriptions and strong language in this ballad, moral lessons appear that connect both man and God in order to discover an innate bond and understanding. Though this tale is overwhelmingly bizarre and dark, the moral lessons taught are in line with central aspects of both the romantic period and the Christian religion. In Coleridges ballad, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, many Christian ideals are represented throughout the treacherous†¦show more content†¦In a religious context, the act of sin separates one’s self from god. Similarly, the Mariner’s separation from the metaphysical world provides a conceptual explanation for the trials set before him. By killing the albatross, the Mariner sets in motion Christianity’s idea that all except Jesus are sinners, but through repentance one can seek forgiveness and ultimately salvation. However, Coleridge poses a dichotomy regarding the transparency of forgiveness in this ballad. After the Mariner blesses the snakes, the reader presumes the curse was lifted and forgiveness was granted. Although the â€Å"Albatross fell off, and sank Like lead into the sea† (288-91), the Mariner was compelled to serve a long-term penance of continually repeating his tale, also serving as a constant reminder of his sin. Where as Christianity teaches that by repenting one achieves forgiveness, Coleridge enacts the idea of retribution in order for the Mariner to ultimately attain God’s forgiveness. For example, one of nature’s punishments taunts the Mariner with extreme thirst, causing him to cry out: Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink (121-22). This notion of depravity is also seen within the bible resembling when Adam and Eve eat poison fruit from the tree. The curse begins to lift and the path of forgiveness emerges only after the Mariner’s thoughts transform fromShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Allegory of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner876 Words   |  4 PagesThe Allegory of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner According to Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia, an allegory is described as a fictional literary narrative or artistic expression that conveys a symbolic meaning parallel to but distinct from, and more important than, the literal meaning. This is true in Samuel Taylor Coleridges poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. 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