A Biographical Analysis Of “The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

When a reader examines “the Rime,” the piece first appears to be merely that of an archaic ghost story. Throughout the years though, many have analyzed the poem from various angles of interpretation. Some of the methods used to decipher “Th

e Rime” have included reader-response, Marxist, new historicism, psychoanalytic, and even deconstruction analysis. While each of these alternatives provides an individualistic prospective on the poem, they are all somewhat different, and can even be objective at times depending on the reader in question. While “The Rime” may have been constructed to address slavery, the economy, or even morality, it can also be greatly appreciated when looked at in terms of content and the life of its author. The significant events that the Mariner endures through, including death (albatross), isolation, endlessly wandering, and ultimate salvation, can all be seen in the personal life of Coleridge himself.

Coleridge looks for and attains this same sense of salvation in his life. After separating from his wife and becoming estranged from the Wordsworths, Samuel went through a devastating period of time. His opium consumption was at an all time high and his literary productivity was at a low point. Coleridge went through various patrons and households, each one failing to offer the needed level of assistance with his problems (Fry, 7). The writer also often placed himself under medical care in hopes of breaking the painful cycle of addiction. Coleridge finally found salvation and redemption in his final patron. James Gillman, a doctor, was able to give the author a newfound sense of familiarity (Fry, 8). The opium addiction was eased, although not completely solved. At the doctor’s home in Highgate, Samuel was able to concentrate on his writing (Fry, 8). Coleridge began to attract many visitors and even hosted informal gatherings, known as “Thursday evenings” (Fry, 3). It was also here that Coleridge became reacquainted with many of the influential figures from his past. Wordsworth visited him and the two even toured the Rhine together (Fry, 8). Coleridge was also visited by his daughter Sara, who moved to the area with her husband (and cousin) Henry (Fry, 8). Along with the help of his son-in-law, Coleridge was able to publish several compellations of his work (Fry, 8). A short time later, Coleridge died, but only after some of the most peaceful years of his life.

In the poem, the death of the albatross is an event that can be directly correlated to Coleridge’s life, particularly in the death of his father. Samuel was born on October 21, 1772, and was the youngest among his ten siblings (Fry, 3). At age six, he began attending King’s School, where his father happened to be the headmaster (Fry, 3). Coleridge’s father, Reverend John Coleridge, died three years later

Some topics in this essay:
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