The Rime of the Ancient Mariner The ballad focuses on the relationship between MAN, NATURE and GOD. The story of the Mariner revolves around the old man’s sin, who isn’t able to recognise and respect the spiritual principle that links together all things created.
The story goes through four different moments: THE SIN THE PENITANCE THE REPENTANCE THE ATONEMENT
The SIN (the crime): the killing of the Albatross an irrational action, that appears to have no explanation;
The PENITENCE (the punishment): The ship is stuck on the calm sea under a burning SUN; Slimy creatures appear on the motionless sea; A phantom ship with Life and Life-in Death appear; The death of all Mariner’s fellows
The REPENTANCE : The Mariner admires the beauty of the sea snakes and blesses them in the MOONlight
The ATONEMENT : The Mariner is able to save himself but he bears the burden of the guilt for the rest of the life. He travels around and tells his story.