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What is the redemption in rime of ancient mariner?

In Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the protagonist, the Mariner, undergoes a profound transformation that concludes in his atonement for his earlier sin of killing an albatross. Through his hardships, suffering, and interaction with the natural world, the Mariner gradually changes from a selfish, callous sailor into a man capable of compassion, remorse, and profound spirituality. Here's how his rehabilitation is depicted in the poem:

Guilt and Isolation:

At the start of the poem, the Mariner is shown as the sole survivor of his crew. His act of killing the albatross, which brought calamity upon his ship and crew, fills him with guilt and isolates him from both the natural world and his fellow sailors.

Albatross as a Symbol:

The albatross, traditionally perceived as a symbol of good fortune, becomes a sign of the Mariner's transgression and the wrath of nature. The Mariner must carry its dead weight around his neck as a physical manifestation of his sin and constant reminder of his mistake.

Encounter with the Spirit World:

Throughout his journey, the Mariner encounters supernatural entities, including the angelic Spirit and Death, who challenge him to come to terms with his actions and confront his guilt. These experiences awaken a sense of spirituality within him and prompt him to seek forgiveness.

Blessing of the Water Snakes:

A critical moment in the Mariner's redemption occurs when he blesses the water snakes. After initially feeling repulsion towards these creatures, he undergoes a shift in perspective and begins to find beauty in the natural world. This act of compassion marks a turning point in his journey towards redemption.

Recognition of Interconnectedness:

As the Mariner continues to observe and interact with the wonders of the natural world, he starts to perceive the web of interconnectedness between all living things. He experiences moments of joy, awe, and gratitude, which deepen his spiritual connection to the Earth.

Return Home:

The Mariner's journey eventually brings him back to his homeland, where he shares his tale with the Wedding Guest. By narrating his experiences and conveying the lessons he has learned, the Mariner hopes to inspire moral growth and introspection in others.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the redemption of the Ancient Mariner is a profound journey of self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual transformation. Through his ability to repent, find beauty in nature, and connect with the Divine, the Mariner is eventually freed from the burden of guilt and finds salvation. His story carries a universal message about the transformative power of confronting one's mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

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