The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Part 1)By Samuel Taylor Coleridge class 8 ICSE


The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Part 1)
By Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Understanding the Poem
1. Whom does the Mariner stop and why?
The Ancient Mariner stops one of the three Wedding Guests. He stops him because he wants to tell his story of the sea voyage, which seems to be a burden on his conscience and something he is compelled to narrate.
2. Is the Wedding Guest interested in listening to the Mariner? Pick out a line from the poem to support your answer.
No, the Wedding Guest is not interested at first. He is eager to attend the wedding feast.
Line to support:
“The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide… May’st hear the merry din.”
3. What might the long grey beard and glittering eye indicate?
The long grey beard suggests that the Mariner is very old and experienced, while the glittering eye suggests a strange, hypnotic power and intense emotions that compel others to listen to him.
4. “And he shone bright, and on the right / Went down into the sea.”
a. Who is referred to as “he” here?
“He” refers to the Sun.
b. What action is indicated by the above lines?
The lines describe the setting of the sun in the west.
c. What happens soon after he goes down into the sea?
Soon after sunset, the weather changes and the ship encounters snow, fog, extreme cold, and floating ice.
5. “As if it had been a Christian soul / We hailed it in God’s name.”
a. What is the response of the sailors on seeing an albatross?
The sailors welcome the albatross warmly and consider it a good omen.
b. How does the albatross spend its time with the sailors?
The albatross flies around the ship daily, eats the sailors’ food, and perches on the mast, especially during evening prayers.
c. What does it mean to hail it in God’s name in this context?
It means the sailors greet the bird respectfully, believing it to be sent by God as a sign of blessing and protection.
Think and Answer
1. The poet has used words such as “stoppeth”, “thou”, and “eftsoons”. What are the reasons for doing so and what do these words mean?
Reason:
Coleridge uses archaic (old-fashioned) words to create a medieval and mysterious atmosphere, making the poem sound like an old legend or ballad.
Meanings:
• Stoppeth – stops
• Thou – you
• Eftsoons – immediately / soon after
2. The poet uses the expression: “As if it had been a Christian soul.” What does this reveal about the mariners’ beliefs and faith? Discuss.
This expression shows that the mariners were deeply religious and believed that God controlled nature. They saw the albatross not as an ordinary bird but as a divine messenger. Their faith made them treat the bird with respect and reverence, believing it brought them relief from danger.
Additional Exam-Oriented Questions & Answers (Class 8 ICSE)
Short Answer Questions
1. How does the Mariner stop the Wedding Guest from leaving?
He stops him using his skinny hand and later hypnotizes him with his glittering eye.
2. Why does the Wedding Guest listen like a “three years’ child”?
Because he is spellbound and powerless, unable to resist the Mariner’s strange influence.
3. What kind of weather does the ship face near the South Pole?
The ship faces snow, fog, bitter cold, and huge floating icebergs.
4. How is the ice described in the poem?
The ice is described as mast-high, green as emerald, and making cracking and roaring sounds.
Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the beginning of the Mariner’s sea voyage.
The ship leaves the harbour joyfully, passing the church, hill, and lighthouse. Initially, the journey is smooth and pleasant, but soon the ship is driven southward into icy regions where the crew faces extreme cold and danger.
2. Why is the albatross important in Part 1 of the poem?
The albatross brings hope and relief to the sailors. It appears during harsh conditions, causes the ice to split, and brings a favourable wind, symbolizing divine help and goodwill.

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