It appears that Coleridge uses outdated language, even for his time period, shown through words such as “twas,” “eftsoons,” and “prayeth.” Did Coleridge intentionally use this more archaic language, and if yes, what was his purpose for using it? Yes, Coleridge intentionally used outdated language to portray a feeling that the story had been told from generation to generation rather than being first created during the Romantic era. In doing such, he makes the poem feel more “aged” and adds to its already “folktale-like” mood. Additionally, the more ancient language adds to the mystical and ominous setting. The poem ends with the Wedding-Guest feeling like “a sadder and a wiser man.” Why might he feel this? After seeing how the Mariner suffered …show more content…
Not only was the Mariner physically alone for a large portion of his journey on the ship, but after his experiences, it appears that he turns to an isolated lifestyle. Specifically, like the thinkers during the Romantic Period who often isolated themselves from society, the Mariner became a more isolated body who avoided normal society. Instead, he travelled around looking for other lost souls (like the Wedding-Guest) and befriended a hermit. Therefore, similar to the isolationists in the Romantic Era, the Mariner portrays his own isolation in The Rime of the Ancient …show more content…
Specifically, the sun is described as “bloody,” “red,” and is emphasized when the sailors are dying of thirst. All effects of the sun were real feelings that the mariner experienced (Ex: dehydration), suggesting the sun represents the natural world. On the other hand, the moon was described more ominously as a “shadow” to portray the supernatural world, which is widely unknown and uncertain. For example, Life-in-death is first introduced when it covers the sun and eventually, the moon appears. In multiple occasions throughout the poem, the sun and moon alternate appearances and are each associated with specific emotions, portraying the competing Romantic fascinations with and emotions towards both the natural and supernatural