“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” Theme tracking activity AP English Literature

INstructions Each group will be assigned a particular theme to “track” throughout the poem. Evidence should be located throughout the poem; do not merely focus on one part.Each group will be assigned a particular theme to “track” throughout the poem. Evidence should be located throughout the poem; do not merely focus on one part. Write a brief analysis of theme in at least five of the poem’s seven parts, incorporating specific evidence from the poem.Write a brief analysis of theme in at least five of the poem’s seven parts, incorporating specific evidence from the poem. Every group will submit one sheet at the end of the class period, but all group members should take thorough notes and be prepared to share with the class.Every group will submit one sheet at the end of the class period, but all group members should take thorough notes and be prepared to share with the class. Remember that theme is often tied to the moral/lesson of the piece. How does Coleridge use these themes to make his point?Remember that theme is often tied to the moral/lesson of the piece. How does Coleridge use these themes to make his point?

The Supernatural This poem offers extensive evidence of Coleridge’s extensively wild imagination. He incorporates mythology and symbolism from Christian scripture to manufacture a modern ghost/zombie story (Think Death and his accomplice, Life-in-Death).This poem offers extensive evidence of Coleridge’s extensively wild imagination. He incorporates mythology and symbolism from Christian scripture to manufacture a modern ghost/zombie story (Think Death and his accomplice, Life-in-Death). Supernatural forces overpower the ship and its crew, forcing the Mariner to come to terms with his own feebleness.Supernatural forces overpower the ship and its crew, forcing the Mariner to come to terms with his own feebleness. Also note how the supernatural is often connected to the weather and astrological events, which is heavily relied upon in this poem.Also note how the supernatural is often connected to the weather and astrological events, which is heavily relied upon in this poem.

Transformation The poem goes through several important transformations which allow the Mariner to develop as a character.The poem goes through several important transformations which allow the Mariner to develop as a character. However, despite his drastic transformation, the Mariner’s penance continues every time he feels the painful urge to share his story.However, despite his drastic transformation, the Mariner’s penance continues every time he feels the painful urge to share his story. Track the Mariner’s transformation throughout the poem. Consider how the transformations of the moon related to the Mariner’s condition.Track the Mariner’s transformation throughout the poem. Consider how the transformations of the moon related to the Mariner’s condition.

Pride In Christian writings, pride is one of the most basic and important sins. (Pride goeth before the fall....)In Christian writings, pride is one of the most basic and important sins. (Pride goeth before the fall....) While it’s not clear why the Mariner shoots the albatross, it does seem that pride has something to do with it. He obviously didn’t intend to bring about the deaths of his crew, nor does he intend to cause a drought; he just doesn’t see the importance of the albatross.While it’s not clear why the Mariner shoots the albatross, it does seem that pride has something to do with it. He obviously didn’t intend to bring about the deaths of his crew, nor does he intend to cause a drought; he just doesn’t see the importance of the albatross. Consider how the poem takes elements from the stories of Adam and Eve and the crucifixion of Christ and weaves them into this tale.Consider how the poem takes elements from the stories of Adam and Eve and the crucifixion of Christ and weaves them into this tale.

Suffering Suffering is sometimes the only way a person can change for good, and the Mariner must endure a great deal of pain to realize the seriousness of the sin he has committed.Suffering is sometimes the only way a person can change for good, and the Mariner must endure a great deal of pain to realize the seriousness of the sin he has committed. Consider how Coleridge creates the images of suffering throughout the poem, but also note how suffering brings about an eventual good.Consider how Coleridge creates the images of suffering throughout the poem, but also note how suffering brings about an eventual good. Identify the different punishments to which the Mariner is subjected. Is he the only one who suffers?Identify the different punishments to which the Mariner is subjected. Is he the only one who suffers?

Isolation The Mariner was probably a sociable fellow before his fated journey, but now he travels the world looking for lost souls like himself.The Mariner was probably a sociable fellow before his fated journey, but now he travels the world looking for lost souls like himself. After his experience, he just can’t return to normal society. (his best friend in the poem is a hermit)After his experience, he just can’t return to normal society. (his best friend in the poem is a hermit) How does the Mariner’s lesson function as both a blessing and a curse? What might Coleridge be arguing regarding the burden of knowledge?How does the Mariner’s lesson function as both a blessing and a curse? What might Coleridge be arguing regarding the burden of knowledge? (Also consider that the Mariner does not share his story with every one. What, then, might we infer about those to whom he tells his story?)(Also consider that the Mariner does not share his story with every one. What, then, might we infer about those to whom he tells his story?)

Sin and Redemption Man is a sinful creature, but redemption awaits him if he repents his wrongdoing and performs penance. This theme manifests itself throughout the poem. Look at the steps the Mariner must take in order to find redemption, but also consider how the Mariner must forever bear the “marks” of his sin. Which character represents redemption for the Mariner?