Question

How do the feelings of the crew members change throughout “The Rime of The Ancient Mariner”?

Answer 1

The feelings of the crew vary depending on how they view the albatross.

When they view the albatross as a sign of good fortune, they are angry with the Mariner for shooting it. When they view the albatross as the one who brought the bad weather, they are glad the Mariner shot it. After the weather turns on them again, they again blame the Mariner for shooting the albatross, believing they are being punished for its death.

When they view the albatross as good, they are angry with the Mariner for killing it. When they view the albatross as evil, they are happy he killed it. Ultimately, they come to believe they are being punished for its death and are unhappy and angry with the Mariner.

Answer 2

In the beginning, the crew condemned the mariner for shooting the bird. However, when the weather warmed up and the mist cleared, they changed their minds and agreed with him that killing the bird was wise. When they were tormented with heat and thirst, they again changed their minds and cursed the mariner, forcing him to wear the albatross around his neck as punishment. The ship was then chased by supernatural beings, after which Death took the crew members and Life-in-Death took the mariner. The crew members were inconstant in their morality, and they were punished for it.