Symbolism in "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner"
             When the Albatross first shows up, the ice breaks and a Northern wind starts to blow. The sailors begin to believe the bird is a good omen. The Mariner then shoots the Albatross with a CROSSbow. At first the sailors tell him he had done wrong. The wind continues blowing and the fog, that had been around them the whole time, lifts. The shipmates then tell the Mariner that what he did was alright since killing the bird had made the fog lift. This is when the wind stops and the ocean turns stagnant. This is the consequence of the sailors telling the Mariner that he had done right. They then hang the Albatross around the Mariner's neck. This is a sign that the Mariner has done wrong in killing the bird and represents the shame the Mariner was feeling. The crew then begin to suffer because they have no water to drink. They are on the brink of death when death shows up. Not only death but Death-in-Life. The moon turns red, but this is only to show the supernatural forces at work. Through a game of dice, Death-in-Life aquires the Mariners life. The ship leaves. Threough toe slime the Mariner sees water snakes and reconises their beauty. This shows that he has gained a love for all creatures and he is finally able to pray. The Albatross fals from his neck and sinks to the sea, like lead. The Mariner falls asleep and begins his way home.
             The Albatross falling from the Mariner's neck represents his grasp of the shame that came from killing the Albatross. After he forgives himself, he is finally abel to ask God for forgiveness. This is where the saying "an albatross around ones neck" comes from. It has been said that the Albatross may stand for Christ and the Mariner represents the Jewish people as a whole. I think this is entirely possible and those who state that do have textual details.
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