Critical Essay on the Comparative Use of Symbolism in T. S. Coleridge’s "The Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan"

The Comparative Use of Symbolism in T.S. Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan"

Introduction

T.S. Coleridge, a prominent figure in the Romantic era, captivated readers with his imaginative and symbolic poetry. Two of his most famous works, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan," showcase his adeptness at employing symbolism to convey deeper meanings. In this critical essay, we will explore the comparative use of symbolism in these two poems, examining how Coleridge employs various symbols to enhance the thematic significance of the narratives.

Symbolism in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"

The Albatross:

The albatross in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" serves as a powerful symbol throughout the narrative. Initially, it represents the beauty and grace of nature, as the mariner describes it as a "bird of good omen." The bird's arrival is seen as a favorable sign, and the crew members even hail it as a bringer of good luck. However, as the mariner impulsively kills the albatross, it transforms into a burden, both physically and spiritually. The albatross becomes a symbol of the mariner's guilt, representing the weight of his sin and the burden he must carry throughout the poem. By killing this innocent creature, the mariner commits a heinous act against nature, leading to his spiritual and psychological torment.

Water:

Water is another central symbol in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," representing both life and death. The ocean, with its vastness and connection to the unknown, embodies the mysteries of the universe. It serves as a reminder of humanity's insignificance in the face of nature's grandeur. Moreover, water also symbolizes the cycle of life and death. The mariner's ship is surrounded by water, cutting it off from the rest of the world and emphasizing the isolation and punishment the mariner must endure for his actions. The stagnant water encountered by the mariner after the crew's death becomes a symbol of his own stagnation and the consequences of his sin, trapping him in a state of eternal penance.

The Wedding Guest:

The wedding guest, who serves as the narrator's audience, represents the average individual who is initially reluctant to embrace spiritual lessons. The guest is preoccupied with earthly affairs and disconnected from the natural and spiritual world. Through the mariner's tale, the wedding guest becomes a symbol of humanity's detachment from nature and its spiritual connection. As the mariner captivates him with his story, the wedding guest gradually opens himself to the profound truths and moral lessons contained within it. Thus, the guest's transformation symbolizes the potential for individuals to reconnect with nature and the spiritual realm.

The Ship:

The ship in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" symbolizes human society and its potential for destruction. It represents the collective journey that humanity embarks upon, often guided by a blind pursuit of progress and personal gain. The mariner's voyage on the ship becomes an allegory for the consequences of disregarding the natural world and the interdependence between humanity and its environment. As the ship faces various trials, including a lack of wind and the curse brought upon by the mariner's actions, it symbolizes the perils and challenges faced by society as a result of its disregard for nature. Ultimately, the ship serves as a vehicle for the mariner's redemption and self-discovery, representing his transformative journey towards spiritual awakening and awareness of the interconnectedness of all life.

In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," Coleridge employs these symbols to convey profound themes of guilt, redemption, isolation, and the consequences of humanity's actions against nature. Through these powerful symbols, the poem explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, urging readers to recognize the significance of our choices and their impact on the interconnected web of life.

Symbolism in "Kubla Khan" 

The Dome and the Pleasure Dome:

The dome and the pleasure dome in "Kubla Khan" symbolize the realm of imagination and creativity. They represent the power of the human mind to construct grand visions and create artistic works. The dome, with its vast and majestic structure, embodies the limitless possibilities of the creative process. It signifies the poet's ability to transcend the boundaries of reality and enter a realm where imagination reigns supreme. The pleasure dome, described as a "miracle of rare device," symbolizes the enchantment and joy that artistic creation can bring. It embodies the fulfillment and satisfaction that artists experience when they bring their visions to life.

The River Alph:

The River Alph serves as a powerful symbol in "Kubla Khan." It represents the source of artistic inspiration, flowing through the poet's mind and nourishing his creative endeavors. The river symbolizes the flow of creativity itself, the stream of ideas and images that fuel the poet's imagination. It represents the poet's ability to tap into this wellspring of inspiration and transform it into poetic expression. The River Alph also highlights the ephemeral nature of inspiration, as it is described as a "sacred river" that eventually disappears underground. This symbolizes the fleeting and elusive nature of artistic inspiration, emphasizing the need to seize it when it arises.

The Abyssinian Maid:

The Abyssinian Maid in "Kubla Khan" symbolizes the Muse or the source of inspiration. She represents the connection between the poet and the divine, acting as a conduit for the poet's creativity. The poet describes the Abyssinian Maid as a "damsel with a dulcimer," evoking an ethereal and mystical presence. The presence of the Abyssinian Maid suggests that the poet's creative inspiration is not solely a product of his own mind but is bestowed upon him from a higher power. She embodies the muse-like figure who inspires and guides the poet's creative process, allowing him to tap into the depths of his imagination and produce his artistic work.

The Mount Abora:

The Mount Abora symbolizes the sublime and untamed nature. It represents the tension between order and chaos, creation and destruction. The mountain is described as a "savage place" and a place of "ceaseless turmoil." It embodies the wild and unpredictable forces of nature, showcasing its awe-inspiring power. The Mount Abora represents the untamed aspects of the natural world that exist beyond human control or comprehension. It highlights the dichotomy between the ordered world created by humans and the vast, uncontrollable forces of nature. The presence of Mount Abora in the poem serves as a reminder of the sublime beauty and terrifying power of nature, urging the reader to recognize and respect the forces that lie beyond human dominion.

In "Kubla Khan," Coleridge employs these symbols to explore the themes of imagination, creativity, inspiration, and the relationship between the human mind and the natural world. Through these symbols, the poem invites readers to contemplate the transcendent power of artistic creation and the awe-inspiring forces of nature that both inspire and challenge the human imagination.

Comparative Analysis

a. Symbolism of nature:

Both "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan" make extensive use of nature as a symbolic backdrop. In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," nature plays a dual role. It serves as a source of punishment, as the Mariner is subjected to harsh conditions and isolation at sea. However, nature also becomes a catalyst for redemption, as the Mariner's spiritual awakening is intertwined with his appreciation of the natural world. In "Kubla Khan," nature represents the source of inspiration and the sublime. The landscape described in the poem evokes a sense of awe and wonder, emphasizing the power of nature to spark the poet's creative imagination. Both poems highlight the profound influence and significance of nature in shaping human experiences and emotions.

b. Symbolism of guilt and redemption:

Guilt and redemption are significant themes in both poems. In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the Mariner's guilt is symbolized by the killing of the albatross. The bird becomes a burden, representing the weight of the Mariner's sin. However, through his arduous journey and penance, the Mariner seeks redemption and spiritual renewal. Similarly, in "Kubla Khan," the poet seeks redemption through his creative powers and the act of artistic creation itself. The act of composing the poem becomes a means of catharsis and transcendence, allowing the poet to escape from guilt and find solace in his imaginative realm. Both poems explore the themes of guilt, redemption, and the transformative power of acknowledging one's wrongdoing.

c. Symbolism of the imagination:

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan" both delve into the realm of the imagination, emphasizing its significance in the creative process. In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," storytelling and imagination play a central role. The Mariner's tale serves as a powerful means of communication, allowing him to convey the depth of his experiences and impart moral lessons. The poem highlights the ability of imagination to transcend the boundaries of reality and connect individuals on a deeper level. In "Kubla Khan," the poet's imagination takes center stage as he constructs vivid and fantastical imagery. The poem explores the boundless potential of the human mind to create awe-inspiring visions and delve into the depths of inspiration. Both poems underscore the transformative and enlightening capacity of the imagination.

Conclusion:

In summary, T.S. Coleridge employs symbolism in both "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan" to explore the themes of nature, guilt, redemption, and the power of imagination. Both poems serve as exemplary works of Romantic poetry, highlighting the profound impact of symbolism in evoking emotions, provoking thought, and conveying deeper truths about the human experience. While nature represents punishment and redemption in "The Ancient Mariner," it serves as a source of inspiration in "Kubla Khan." Guilt and redemption are significant themes in both poems, with symbolism used to represent the burden of sin and the quest for spiritual renewal. Additionally, the poems emphasize the profound influence of imagination in storytelling, artistic creation, and the exploration of the sublime. Through these shared themes and symbols, Coleridge's poems showcase the richness and complexity of human experiences and the interconnectedness between nature, guilt, redemption, and the imagination. 

Ardhendu De  

References

1. Stoll, E. E. (1948). Symbolism in Coleridge. PMLA, 63(1), 214–233. https://doi.org/10.2307/459414

2. McDonald, D. (1964). Too Much Reality: A Discussion of “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, 4(4), 543–554. https://doi.org/10.2307/449508

3. Grant, Allan, A Preface to Coleridge, 1972.

4. The rime of the ancient mariner : Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/rimeofancientmar00coleuoft

5. The Romantic Imagination : C.m.bowra : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.72367

6. Kubla Khan, a Vision : Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/nby_84887