The Captain's Rhyme: Weather and Journey in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'

The Captain's Rhyme in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a poetic exploration of the sea journey from a sailor's perspective. The journey begins under favorable and tempestuous weather, each setting starkly contrasting with the other. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Coleridge expresses the sailors' experiences, emphasizing the themes of nature, destiny, and supernatural adventures.

Initial Weather and Tranquility

At the beginning of their voyage, the weather was favorable, with a clear and sunny sky. This positive atmospheric condition sets the stage for a cheerful and optimistic outlook among the mariners. The poem begins with an exultant mood:

"And now the Storm-Blast came and he,
Was tyrannous and strong:
He struck with his oertaking wings
And chased us south along."

However, the initial description is not mere calmness but also excitement and a sense of adventure. The ship's journey is described with a serene and joyful tone:

"The ship was cheered, the harbour cleared,
Merrily did we drop
Below the Kirk, below the Hill,
Below the lighthouse top."

The sun's position is also clearly described, providing geographical context. Sunrises and sunsets are given specific descriptions that help illustrate the movement of the ship:

"The Sun came up upon the left,
Out of the sea came he!
And he shone bright, and on the right
Went down into the sea."

These descriptions also indicate the ship's southward journey as the sun rises on the left and sets on the right, meaning they were sailing towards a lower latitude.

Sudden Turn to Storms and Harsh Weather

The initial pleasant weather is abruptly contrasted by the onset of a violent storm. The mariners find themselves driven southward by the tempest, with the ship being battered by strong gusts:

"And now the STORM-BLAST came and he,
Was tyrannous and strong:
He struck with his oertaking wings
And chased us south along."

The intensity of the storm is vividly portrayed with harsh and unforgiving imagery:

"With sloping masts and dipping prow,
As who pursued with yell and blow
Still treads the shadow of his foe,
And forward bends his head
The ship drove fast, loud roared the blast.
And southward aye we fled."

The contrast between the initial sunny and clear weather and the later harsh storm underscores the unpredictable nature of the sea and the power of nature. The poem captures the sailors' struggle against the elements, highlighting their vulnerability and the harsh conditions they encounter.

Symbolism and Nature's Role

The weather in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' functions as a powerful symbol. The initial favorable weather represents a sense of hope and optimism, while the sudden shift to violent storms symbolizes a plunge into despair and hopelessness. This contrast emphasizes the theme of nature's power and its unpredictable nature, a crucial element of the poem.

Coleridge's vivid descriptions of nature, such as the mention of ice floating by, emphasize the theme of the unyielding cruelty of nature. The ice is described as 'mast-high' and 'green as emerald,' creating a surreal and terrifying setting:

"With sloping masts and dipping prow
As who pursued with yell and blow
Still treads the shadow of his foe
And forward bends his head
The ship drove fast, loud roared the blast
And southward aye we fled."

He further adds:

"And now there came both mist and snow
And it grew wondrous cold:
And ice mast-high came floating by
As green as emerald."

The 'mist and snow' and the 'mast-high ice' enhance the sense of isolation and the ship's journey towards the Antarctic, where the harsh and unforgiving environment takes on a sinister character.

Conclusion

'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a masterful exploration of a sailor's journey, set against the backdrop of changing weather conditions. The initial days of the voyage are marked by serene and hopeful conditions, while the later stages are characterized by violent storms and horrific ice. These weather conditions serve not only to ground the narrative in a tangible reality but also to deepen the poem's symbolic and thematic richness.

Through his evocative imagery and language, Coleridge conveys the sailors' experiences, highlighting themes of nature, destiny, and supernatural phenomena. The contrast between the favorable and harsh weather underscores the unpredictable and often cruel nature of the sea, making 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' a timeless and poignant poem.