What species of creature does the Mariner destroy in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” ?
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Answer: D. An albatross
Explanation
The Mariner shoots the albatross with a crossbow without any justification. This senseless act of violence violates the sacred bond between living creatures. The dead bird becomes a powerful symbol of guilt hanging over the crew. Samuel Taylor Coleridge coauthored Lyrical Ballads, launching English Romanticism. Albatrosses were traditionally considered good omens by superstitious sailors. Gothic elements permeate this famous narrative poem about sin and penance.
Environmental ethics often draw upon the cautionary tale of the slain albatross. Unprovoked cruelty toward nature inevitably leads to severe psychological consequences. Guilt and redemption are universal themes explored in narrative poetry. Option A names a predatory raptor rather than a sea bird. Option B references a songbird associated with land and poetic beauty. Option C names a traditional biblical symbol of peace rather than the albatross.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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