Published Paper Details:

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a profound exploration of the themes of sin, remorse, and forgiveness. The poem follows the journey of an unnamed mariner who commits the grave sin of killing an albatross, a symbol of nature's harmony. This action triggers a series of catastrophic events, leading to the suffering and death of his fellow crew members. The mariner is burdened with guilt, symbolized by the dead albatross hung around his neck, which represents his spiritual and moral transgression. As the poem unfolds, the mariner's suffering reflects the consequences of violating natural and divine laws, and his eventual redemption emerges from his sincere expression of remorse. The mariner's moment of realization occurs when he acknowledges the sanctity of life in all its forms, particularly in his blessing of the water snakes, which signifies his true repentance. The poem's treatment of sin and forgiveness mirrors broader theological and moral reflections found in religious and philosophical traditions. Coleridge's depiction of the mariner's penitence aligns with the Christian concepts of repentance, redemption, and divine forgiveness, drawing parallels to the process of atonement for sin. Through his journey, the mariner learns that forgiveness is not simply an external act of absolution but an internal transformation of the self. The poem highlights that genuine remorse and the recognition of one's faults are necessary for redemption. This paper examines The Rime of the Ancient Mariner as a representation of the cyclical nature of sin, remorse, and forgiveness, offering insights into the moral consequences of human actions and the possibility of spiritual renewal through self-reflection and divine grace.