The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Technical
  • ID: 1415
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Formats: 16
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
The Invisible Mentor · 2025-03-19
haunting 4.50

The poem's length and structure are notable, but its enduring appeal lies in its haunting imagery and moral depth. It's a complex work that rewards multiple readings.

This reviewer appreciates the intricate structure of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' noting its 625 lines and seven parts as a testament to Coleridge's craftsmanship. They find the poem's haunting imagery and moral depth particularly compelling, suggesting that its themes of guilt, redemption, and nature's power resonate deeply. The reviewer highlights how the poem's simplicity in metre contrasts with its profound and often unsettling content, making it a timeless piece that invites repeated exploration. They also mention that the poem's length and complexity can be challenging, but the rewards of engaging with it are substantial.


Quick quotes

    The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the longest poem Coleridge wrote.

    It's a 625-line ballad, in seven parts, written in old English.

    The poem's haunting imagery and moral depth resonate deeply.

RenMinds · 2024-11-16
sublime 4.50

Coleridge's use of vivid and fantastical imagery elevates the poem to the sublime. The supernatural figures of Death and Life-in-Death add a layer of complexity and intrigue.

This reviewer is captivated by Coleridge's use of vivid and fantastical imagery, which they believe elevates the poem to the sublime. They particularly appreciate the supernatural figures of Death and Life-in-Death, which add a layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative. The reviewer suggests that these elements, along with the poem's exploration of themes like guilt and redemption, make it a deeply meaningful and powerful work. They also note that the poem's ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder is part of what makes it so memorable and impactful.


Quick quotes

    Coleridge's use of vivid and fantastical imagery is where the poem ascends into the realm of the sublime.

    The supernatural figures of Death and Life-in-Death add a layer of complexity and intrigue.

    The poem's exploration of themes like guilt and redemption make it deeply meaningful.

The Guardian · 2009-10-26
spellbinding 4.75

The poem's simple ballad metre and dramatic storytelling make it a powerful and enduring work. Its ever-shifting narrative keeps readers engaged and spellbound.

The Guardian's review emphasizes the poem's accessibility through its simple ballad metre and dramatic storytelling, which captivate readers from the start. They note that the ever-shifting narrative keeps the story engaging and spellbinding, making it a piece that many people remember fondly from their youth. The reviewer also highlights the poem's ability to transport readers into a world of wonder and horror, with its vivid descriptions and supernatural elements. They suggest that the poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and Coleridge's masterful storytelling.


Quick quotes

    It's a poem most people read when young, quickly falling under the powerful spell of its simple ballad metre.

    Its dramatic storytelling and ever-shifting narrative keep readers engaged.

    The poem's vivid descriptions and supernatural elements transport readers into a world of wonder and horror.