Question

Interpret the following verse from the Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink, Water, water every where, Nor any drop to drink.

Short answer

The verse from 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' reflects a situation of irony and despair where the mariner is surrounded by undrinkable ocean water, emphasizing themes of desperation, the dominance of nature over humans, and the preciousness of vital resources.

Step-by-step solution

Contextualize the Poem

To interpret the verse properly, you should understand the broader context of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.' The poem is a narrative that tells the tale of an old sailor who has returned from a long and arduous sea voyage. The verse in question is often interpreted to reflect a sense of irony and despair. Despite being surrounded by water on all sides in the middle of the ocean, none of it is potable, leading to dehydration and suffering.

Analyze the Imagery

Examine the imagery used in the verse. The repeated lines 'Water, water, every where,' emphasize the vast expanse of undrinkable water. This creates a vivid image of isolation and abundance that paradoxically leads to a lack of a vital resource. 'And all the boards did shrink,' metaphorically suggests that the ship and the sailors are diminishing, or suffering, because of the lack of drinkable water.

Explore the Themes

Consider the themes such as desperation, nature's power over man, and punishment. You can view the verse as an embodiment of nature's paradoxes—how the natural element essential for life can equally be a source of misery and death when it is inaccessible as a life-giving force.

Interpret the Meaning

Integrate your analysis of the context, imagery, and themes to develop an interpretation of the verse. The lines could be seen as a commentary on the human condition, highlighting our vulnerability in the face of natural forces, and a critique of taking for granted the resources we readily have available to us. The mariner's plight is a vivid reminder of the preciousness of fresh water, symbolizing life's necessities that, once lacking, expose the frailty of human existence.

Key concepts

Contextual Analysis

Understanding the context of a literary piece is fundamental to grasping its full meaning. In the case of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a contextual analysis involves considering the cultural and historical background when the poem was written, along with Coleridge's own philosophies and the wider narrative arc of the poem.

In the late 18th century, Romantic poets often reflected on human emotion and the power of nature. Coleridge's mariner faces nature's overwhelming forces, which fits within the Romantic period's fascination with these themes. Besides, the mariner's journey can be seen as both literal and allegorical: a real struggle at sea and a spiritual trial. A contextual analysis also prompts readers to ponder on the environmental undertones, particularly relevant today, as it highlights the consequences of taking nature's resources for granted. Thus, the mariner's plight attains a more profound narrative, echoing through time about sustainability and respect for the environment.

Imagery in Literature

Imagery is a literary device that involves the use of vivid and descriptive language, often appealing to our senses, to create a picture in the reader's mind. 'Water, water, every where,' the haunting refrain from Coleridge's verse, serves as a powerful example of visual imagery. It conveys an ocean that seems to stretch into infinity.Moreover, the line 'And all the boards did shrink,' employs tactile imagery; it's as if we can feel the dry, contracting wood, which metaphorically suggests withering hope and the tightening grip of thirst. Through the use of this imagery, readers feel the mariner’s despair and isolation. Imagery in literature functions to bridge the gap between the reader's world and the one within the text, making the experiences of characters more relatable and the themes of the story more impactful.

Thematic Interpretation

Thematic interpretation is akin to peeling back layers to uncover the deeper meanings and messages in a literary work. For instance, in Coleridge's verse, interpreting its themes requires looking beyond the surface story. Major themes such as the relentlessness of nature, human vulnerability, and the irony of abundance without utility are woven into these lines.

'Water, water, every where,' suggests a paradoxical situation where the vital element—water—is present but remains unattainable, symbolizing the idea that abundance does not always equate to sustenance or salvation. The acknowledgment of nature's power over man, and the dilemma of being surrounded by a life-giving force that also heralds death when it cannot be used, adds to the tragic irony of the human predicament. Themes are the backbone of literary analysis, providing insight into societal norms, human psychology, and universal truths. The interpretation of these themes encourages readers to reflect on their personal lives and broader social issues, making the text a timeless piece resonating with audiences across generations.