Symbolism and Moral Redemption in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Symbolism and Moral Redemption in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
Introduction
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a poetic masterpiece that explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of human actions. Through vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and a compelling narrative, Coleridge presents a moral tale that delves into the depths of the human soul. This essay will analyze the poem, highlighting its use of symbolism and its underlying message of moral redemption.
Symbolism in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
Coleridge employs rich symbolism throughout the poem to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses from the readers. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the albatross, which represents both nature and spirituality. Initially seen as a good omen, the mariner shoots the albatross, an act that brings a curse upon him and his crew. The dead bird becomes a burden around his neck, symbolizing guilt and the weight of his actions.
Additionally, water and the sea serve as symbols of both life and death. The vastness and mysterious nature of the ocean represent the unknown and uncontrollable forces that govern human existence. The mariner’s ship is stranded in a “wide, wide sea,” symbolizing his and separation from society a result of his transgressions.
The skeleton and its ghostly crew symbolize death, reminding mariner of the consequences of his actions. The eerie atmosphere created by this haunting imagery as a constant of his guilt and the need for redemption.
Moral Redemption “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
“The Rime of the Ancientiner” is a powerful exploration of moral redemption. The mariner’s journey serves as a metaphorical representation of his spiritual transformation. Through his suffering and isolation, he comes to understand the gravity of his actions and seeks redemption.
The turning point in the poem occurs when the mariner begins to appreciate and respect nature, recognizing its beauty and interconnectedness with humanity. This newfound appreciation is reflected in his description of “slimy things did crawl with legs upon the slimy sea.” His ability to find beauty even in repulsive creatures suggests a shift in his perception and a deeper understanding of the world around him.
The mariner experiences a moment of epiphany when he blesses the water snakes, an act of compassion that symbolizes his repentance. As a result, the albatross falls from his neck, relieving him of his burden and marking the beginning of his redemption.
The final section of the poem highlights the mariner’s desire to share his story with others as a cautionary tale. His role as a penitent sinner is evident through his compulsion to tell his tale to individuals who need to be reminded of the consequences of their actions. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to prevent others from falling into the same cycle of guilt and despair.
Conclusion
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a profound exploration of guilt, redemption, and human nature. Through its powerful use of symbolism and narrative, Coleridge delivers a moral message that emphasizes the importance of compassion, respect for nature, and personal responsibility. The mariner’s journey from guilt to redemption serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences and that true redemption can only be achieved through self-reflection and acceptance of our past mistakes.
Coleridge’s poem continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of our responsibility towards ourselves, others, and the natural world. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is not only a literary masterpiece but also a timeless moral tale that urges us to strive for redemption and find harmony within ourselves and our surroundings.
