Question

What are the consequences of the mariner's being won by life-in-death?

Answer 1

The mariner won by life-in-death is cursed with immortality, unable to die yet witnessing death, as a consequence for his actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the mariner is won by life-in-death, it signifies his entrance into a state of cursed immortality and eternal punishment. He becomes caught in a liminal space between living and dying, witnessing the demise of his fellow crew yet himself unable to find peace in death. This consequence of facing life-in-death reflects the broader themes which often surround the crossing of moral boundaries and the resulting inexorable, often supernatural, justice. The theme of facing supernatural retribution is akin to suffering the consequences of playing with fate, which is also evident in the excerpts provided. The mariner's curse is a reflection of his transgression, and his resulting plight serves as a cautionary tale about the hubris of humanity and the relentless nature of divine or cosmic justice.

Answer 2

After the mariner is forced to wear the albatross around his neck as the punishment for killing it (albatross can be seen as a metaphor for the human soul, Christian spirit) they pass a ship on which Death and Life-in-Death are playing dice for the sailors lives. All but the Mariner are claimed by Death and the Mariner is claimed by Life-in-Death. He is condemned to a fate worse than death, to living hell. He is destined to be trapped in his personal hell and even those dead seem freer than him. He also is compelled to share his story with others as the sharing it lets him be free, at least for little while.