Question

Describe how literary devices such as alliteration and internal rhyme or frame stories and narrative interruption contribute to the overall effect of Coleridge's poem. Cite specific lines of the poem to support your answer.

Answer 1

Coleridge's poetry effectively uses literary devices like alliteration and internal rhyme, alongside narrative techniques such as frame stories and narrative interruption, to create a rich and immersive reading experience. These devices work in tandem to set the poem's mood, enhance thematic depth, and maintain reader interest through complex structures and meanings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Literary Devices in Coleridge's Poetry

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's use of literary devices such as alliteration, internal rhyme, frame stories, and narrative interruption combines to create a unique and engaging effect in his poetry. For instance, alliteration can be observed in the lines where the consonant sounds are noticeably repeated creating a rhythm and musicality. This type of sound patterning can enhance the thematic elements and set a tone that aligns with the mood of the poem. An example of internal rhyme, which occurs within a single line of verse, contributes to this sonic appeal and strengthens the poem's cohesion.

Furthermore, the use of frame stories enables Coleridge to weave complex narrative structures that captivate the reader's imagination and allow for multiple layers of meaning and interpretation. This technique can also result in narrative interruption, which serves to heighten suspense and encourage reader engagement as they anticipate the resolution of the disrupted action or narrative thread.

The indentations within the poem are another structural element that Coleridge employs, which highlights rhyming lines and accentuates the poetic form. Exploring the symbolic imagery, such as the river or island, also provides insights into the broader Romantic themes Coleridge often engaged with, such as the sublime and the interplay between man and nature. By weaving these symbols through the narrative, Coleridge imbues his poetry with layers of meaning that extend beyond the immediate narrative.

The rhyme pattern too is of importance, forming complex echoings and emphasizing the relationship between meaning and word choice. For instance, Coleridge often employs intricate rhyme schemes that reflect the poem's setting and subject matter, thereby enhancing the atmosphere and adding depth to the text.

Answer 2

In contrast to Wordsworth's lofty language and complex rhythm, in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," Coleridge uses alliteration to create lyrical rhythm and mood. For example, the speaker repeats sounds to describe the perils faced by the ship in Antarctic waters: "The ice was here, the ice was there, / The ice was all around: / It cracked and growled, and roared and howled."

Coleridge also uses internal rhyme, or rhyming words within the same line, such as “The ice did split with a thunder-fit;" and repetition ("And round and round it flew"). This literary device lends the poem a singsong quality, which gives it the flavor of an old "sailor’s song" and contributes to the seafaring theme of the poem. Much like a lively sailor’s song, the poem can be read aloud and enjoyed.

The frame story and narrative interruption techniques add to the suspense of the poem. The reader discovers the mariner’s real identity along with the guest. Every time the guest interrupts the mariner, a new facet of the seaman’s identity is revealed. That keeps the story interesting.