Vocabulary in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

The phrase, “to have an albatross around your neck,” or to even simply describe something large and cumbersome as an albatross, was derived from this poem. An albatross is also frequently used as a metaphor to indicate a psychological, or physical, burden and is taken directly from the mariner being forced to wear the carcass of the albatross around his neck in penance for killing it.

Vocabulary Examples in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner:

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in Seven Parts

"About my neck was hung...." See in text (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in Seven Parts)

This famous passage also created an expression in the English language---to have an albatross around one’s neck---which means that something you have done or are connected to is causing you problems or stopping you from being successful.

Wesley, Owl Eyes Editor

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"unaware..." See in text (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner in Seven Parts)

Coleridge's words emphasize that the blessing was not done consciously for the purpose of achieving forgiveness. When the Mariner blesses the snakes "unawares", he is indicating that the Mariner blesses the snakes "in his heart."

Wesley, Owl Eyes Editor

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