The Moral Dimension in Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’

Samuel Coleridge once commented that his masterpiece The Rime of the Ancient Mariner ‘had “too much” of a moral for a work of “pure imagination.”’ This evokes a nuanced discussion about the relationship between the poem’s fantastical elements and its underlying moral and didactic message. In this essay, we embark on an exploration of this aspect, drawing insights directly from the work and from Coleridge’s own critical writings to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Coleridge’s View and Critical Background

Samuel Taylor Coleridge had a profound critique of his own work. In his Biographia Literaria, he discusses various aspects of his poetry, including the subtle interplay between art and ethics. Coleridge believed that poetry should present moral lessons in a way that is both profound and subtle, rather than outright didactic.

While Biographia Literaria is rich with insights, it is also critical to consider that much of his commentary on The Rime is implied. For instance, Coleridge’s critique suggests that he believed the poem might overly emphasize its moral aspects, potentially overshadowing its other artistic merits.

Morality in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

The poem is a narrative about the Mariner who, after killing an albatross, experiences a series of supernatural events, leading to the death of his shipmates and his own inner turmoil. The poem is not only a work of pure imagination but also a profound exploration of moral and religious themes.

One of the core moral messages is the heavy burden of guilt that the Mariner must bear. The killing of the albatross serves as a pivotal moment, initiating a chain of events that leads to the death and suffering of his crew. This act triggers a profound sense of guilt within the Mariner, who is ultimately redeemed through his suffering and the eventual restoration of the natural balance.

Evidence from the Poem

The terror and guilt that the Mariner experiences are explicit and powerful. For instance, the Mariner describes the "sick years that follow it," indicating the enduring impact of his actions: "The tangled Albatross / Is worked into the very core of my brain." (lines 337-338) Here, the albatross symbolizes the burden of guilt, which becomes an integral part of the Mariner's psyche.

The consequences of his actions on the crewmembers also convey a potent moral message. Coleridge writes: "We mastered it with groans and tears; And it was killed for Prizes." (lines 341-342) This line underscores the tragic fate of the ship's crew and suggests that their deaths were a direct result of the Mariner's deed, emphasizing the moral gravity of his actions.

Engaging with Coleridge and Critical Insights

Coleridge’s own critique in Biographia Literaria adds a layer of complexity to the interpretation of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. He believed that poetry should not be overly didactic, which might explain his comment. However, the poem itself actively engages with moral questions, making it a complex entity that cannot be fully explained or reduced to a single moral message.

The poem’s treatment of the Mariner’s guilt and redemption, his communicative struggle, and the natural world’s retribution—all these elements suggest that the poem is indeed a work rich in moral and ethical dimensions, though perhaps not in a heavy-handed manner but rather through subtle and profound means.

Conclusion

Overall, while Coleridge’s critique of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner highlights its moral aspects, the poem itself presents these themes in a nuanced, layered manner. It is a poetic exploration of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of our actions, making it a masterpiece that both challenges and provides moral insights.

References:

Colleridge, Samuel Taylor. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Biographia Literaria. London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, 1817.

Colleridge, Samuel Taylor. Biographia Literaria. London: G. Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, 1817.