Spoiled Boy Born in 1772 Youngest of 14 children, but only four survived Father died when he was 9, sent to school in London Considered a genius Grew to have lifelong problems
Plagued by problems Cambridge University drop out Failed American intellectual colony Failed marriage Failed health – asthma and rheumatism Drug addicted – addicted to painkillers Failed friendship – with Wordsworth
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner “a willing suspension of disbelief for the moment.” Literary ballad Tells a story Real and supernatural events Lots of sound devices Wrote with Wordsworth and published in Lyrical Ballads
Plot An old sailor interrupts a wedding to tell a strange tale from the sea to a wedding guest Tale of guilt and penance required for anyone who sins against nature. Archaic language, set in medieval times.