Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is about a man on a voyage by ship, Mariner’s one impulsive and evil act, changes the course of his life. The Mariner faces an inner struggle over the crime he has committed, and must understand his actions and perform his punishment. He learned to abandon his negative views and openly accept all of God's’ creatures. The voyage now becomes a journey of learning important lessons in responsibility, acceptance, forgiveness, and guilt.
The Ancient Mariner tells his tale to the wedding guest, he explains that one clear and bright day, he set out to sail on a ship full of happy sailor. They sailed along smoothly until they reached the equator. The Wedding Guest wanted to attend the wedding, however, he was forced to continue listening to the Ancient Mariner, who goes on with his tale. As soon as the ship reached the equator, a terrible storm
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He has learned to release his negative views, and by doing so, has set free the spirits of his dead shipmates. Their spirits rise, aiding the Mariner in his journey home, and guiding him to the Hermit. Even though the albatross is no longer hung from his neck, and the ship is back on course home, the Mariner has not found absolution. The Polar Spirits confirm this when they remark “The man hath penance done, And penance more will do” (249). The Mariner has learned another lesson, forgiveness must be asked for, and it must also be earned. It is the Hermit that he seeks in order to ask exculpation for his transgressions. Though the Albatross is no longer hung around his neck, the Mariner still has the image of its blood in his mind. He pursues the Hermit because “He’ll shrieve my soul, he’ll wash away The Albatross’s blood” (251). He feels that if he can have the opportunity to ask for exoneration, he can be released from the inner turmoil he is