Rime Of The Ancient Mariner Albatross Quote
The Background Story
The "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1798. The poem tells the story of a sailor who shoots an albatross, a bird considered a good omen by sailors. The killing of the albatross brings a curse upon the ship and its crew, leading to a series of supernatural events.
The Albatross Quote
The most famous line in the poem is "Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink," which describes the sailors' predicament of being surrounded by seawater that they cannot drink. However, the most significant quote in the poem is about the albatross. After the sailor kills the bird, he is haunted by its death and says, "Instead of the cross, the Albatross about my neck was hung."
The Symbolism of the Albatross
The albatross is a symbol of good luck and hope in the poem, and killing it is viewed as a sin against nature. The bird is also a symbol of the natural world, which is indifferent to human actions. The sailor's killing of the albatross shows his disregard for nature and the consequences of his actions, leading to the curse on the ship and its crew.
The Moral of the Story
The "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting nature and understanding the consequences of our actions. The poem shows how our actions can have far-reaching effects and that we must be mindful of our impact on the environment. The sailor's redemption comes from his realization of the gravity of his actions and his repentance for killing the albatross.
The Legacy of the Poem
The "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is considered one of the greatest poems in English literature and is an example of the Romantic movement. The poem has been adapted into various forms, including music, film, and television. The albatross has become a symbol of environmental conservation, and the poem continues to inspire readers to reflect on their relationship with nature.
Conclusion
The albatross quote in the "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a powerful symbol of the consequences of our actions and the importance of respecting nature. The poem's message is timeless and continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of our responsibility to protect the environment and to be mindful of our impact on the natural world.
