"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" Quotes
Explanation: This line describes the Mariner and his crewβs suffering on a vast ocean. They are surrounded by saltwater that is undrinkable. The repetition of "water" emphasizes the paradox of their situationβsurrounded by water, yet unable to drink.Β "Water, water, every where,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink."
Explanation: Here, the Ancient Mariner holds the wedding guest with his glittering eye to tell his story. It hints that there is something supernatural about this ancient-looking man. The wedding guest is angry at first, and he doesn't want to listen to the mariner. But now, the wedding guest is spellbound. He must hear and learn from the Ancient Marinerβs story.βHe holds him with his glittering eyeβ
The Wedding-Guest stood still,
And listens like a three years' child:
The Mariner hath his will.β
Explanation: After the Mariner shoots the Albatross, the crew hangs the dead bird around his neck as a symbol of his sin. The comparison to the cross implies (বΰ§ΰ¦ΰ¦Ύΰ¦¨ΰ§) the Christian concept of sin and repentance (ঠনΰ§ΰ¦€ΰ¦Ύΰ¦ͺ). The Albatross becomes a burden for the Mariner."Instead of the cross, the Albatross
About my neck was hung."
Explanation: This line introduces the supernatural character Life-in-Death. She is a terrifying figure. She βthicks man's blood with coldββsuggests a chilling, unnatural existence where the Mariner is cursed to suffer without relief.βThe Night-mare LIFE-IN-DEATH was she,
Who thicks man's blood with cold.β
Explanation: In the closing moments of the Marinerβs tale, he shares his lesson with the Wedding Guest. These lines capture the central moral of the poem: that true prayer comes from love and respect for all creatures, great and small.βFarewell, farewell! but this I tell
To thee, thou Wedding-Guest!
He prayeth well, who loveth well
Both man and bird and beast.β
Explanation: These lines also capture the central message of the poem. A religious/pious person loves all creatures of God, no matter how big or small. And God is the creator of all, and dear God loves all creatures.βHe prayeth best, who loveth best
All things both great and small;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.β
Explanation: These lines show that the Ancient Marinerβs story has a profound effect on the wedding guest. The wedding guest has learned from the story. He is now a pious and wise man. These closing lines of the poem also suggest we think about the Ancient Marinerβs story.βA sadder and a wiser man,
He rose the morrow morn.β