How “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” Explores What It Means to Have A Fundamental Misunderstanding of Christianity Puja Harikumar College

What appears to be “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by S. T. Coleridge’s generic theme of romanticism of respecting and valuing the natural world and all it’s creatures is revealed by closer readings to be a front for a far deeper message on how spiritual faith is more important than the material aspects of Christianity. A popular interpretation within literary circles is that the killing of the albatross represents the Mariner’s rejection of Christianity in favor of sin, and must roam the earth as penance, a cautionary example to those who consider treading down a similar path (an interpretation that will be referred to as ‘the traditional’ interpretation within this essay). However, certain lines and context of the poem suggest that what Coleridge truly meant for it to criticize was less so the forsaking of religion, but rather the bastardization of what it truly means to be a virtuous Christian. This essay will proceed to explain how the Mariner’s achieves a sense of spiritual rebirth at the end of his journey and makes it his duty to share his story in hopes of imparting his wisdom to others in danger of losing sight of the true message of Christianity.

The first indication that the poem will criticize losing touch with...