The Mariner's Compass Quilt

Question 1 

The romantic tradition valued emotions over reason a fact that is evident in the poem the Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Coleridge. For example, the poem presents nature as terrifying and powerful, more than humans can ever comprehend. The persona points out that any attempt to master nature as pointless since it is too powerful. For example, the Mariner’s ship is stranded in rough waters after being subjected to lack of wind. As a result, the sailors die of thirst. Mariner views his action of killing the Albatross as an attempt to master nature and assert humans influence over it. In this context, the poem demonstrates that any attempts to master nature is the wrong approach when living in the natural world. Nature is an expression of the spiritual world, and hence Mariner views his actions as an affront to the spiritual line and God. He feels that his misfortunes were the actions of the supernatural and elemental spirits. It is only after appreciating the beauty of and value of nature is when he is able to live harmoniously. It is evident that his journey of spiritual enlightenment was informed by his emotions rather than reason concerning nature. 

Question 2 

What I consider to be most important quatrain is when the Mariner expiates his curse. 

And now this spell was snapt: 

once more I viewed the ocean green, 

And look'd far forth, yet little saw 

Of what had else been seen— 

After all the misfortune and spiritual enlightenment, the Mariner finally atones for his misgivings with the aim of restoring peace with nature and with the supernatural. This is an important part of the poem since it anchors the association between the mariner’s emotional dispensation and his spiritual beliefs.