Why does the bird fall off his neck? Why does it sink "like lead"?

Question

Even after the Mariner reaches the shore, his ship sinks like lead. What's the reason of that simile?

Asked by sharvik p #272237 on 10/3/2012 5:56 PM

Last updated by jill d #170087 on 10/3/2012 6:56 PM

Answered by jill d #170087 on 10/3/2012 6:56 PM

The albatross falls away from his neck as the guilt he carries is cast away. The bird sinks "like lead" symbolic of the heavy burden it has been.

Rime of the Ancient Mariner