The poem has a didactic tone as the Mariner describes his harrowing journey to realizing the importance of valuing and respecting nature. One example of this tone is the Mariner's compulsive need to share his tale with the Wedding Guest. His urgency to communicate his experiences shows how eager he is to convey his cautionary tale of the albatross to the Wedding Guest and, by extension, to the reader. This didactic element is reinforced through moral reflections interspersed throughout the poem, emphasizing the consequences of human actions and the importance of empathy.
The tone becomes more reflective and reverent as the Mariner grapples with his guilt and seeks spiritual salvation after killing the albatross. The most pivotal tonal shift occurs when the Mariner blesses the water-snakes and sees the beauty and sanctity of all living things. This transformative act of love and appreciation signifies the Mariner's redemption and the possibility of spiritual renewal and reconciliation with the natural world.
In this poem, the didactic and reflective elements of its tone work in tandem, urging readers to reflect on their actions, consider the consequences, and, ultimately, embrace a path of moral and spiritual redemption through an appreciation of nature. These elements also reinforce the poem's themes of sin and penance and match well with the contents of the Mariner's tale.
