The Rime of the Ancient Mariner stands as a representative example of the English lyrical ballad, making its debut in the 1798 edition of Coleridge and Wordsworth's aptly titled poetry collection, Lyrical Ballads. Defined by its narrative nature, a lyrical ballad blends elements of lyric and dramatic poetry. In Coleridge's rendition, the poem follows the ballad structure, predominantly featuring quatrains with a consistent ABCB rhyme scheme, where the second and fourth lines rhyme.
Beyond its classification as a lyrical ballad, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is frequently regarded as a quintessential Romantic work. The broader Romantic movement, to which Coleridge contributed significantly, is characterized by certain key tenets, including an emphasis on the intrinsic value of nature, a celebration of emotion and irrationality, and a departure from strict adherence to reason. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner mirrors these Romantic ideals.
Nature plays a pivotal role in the narrative, weaving its influence throughout the Mariner's tale. Emotion takes center stage, driving the actions and consequences within the poem. The presence of supernatural elements and the Mariner's spiritual journey contribute to the overall sense of irrationality, aligning with the tenets of Romanticism. In essence, Coleridge's poem encapsulates the Romantic movement through its exploration of nature, emotion, and the fantastical, and it has long been considered a prime example of Romantic poetry.
