The many men, so beautiful!

Question

And they all dead did lie:
And a thousand thousand slimy things
Lived on; and so did I.

Within the shadow of the ship
I watched their rich attire:
Blue, glossy green, and velvet black,
They coiled and swam; and every track
Was a flash of golden fire.

— Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”

Question 1 (1 point)
These stanzas from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” show the Mariner’s changing attitude toward the creatures of the sea. What is the Mariner’s attitude in the first stanza? What image reveals this attitude?

Your answer:
Question 2 (1 point)
What is the Mariner’s attitude in the second stanza? Analyze the imagery that reveals this change.

Your answer:
Question 3 (1 point)
Think of a cat or a dog you can describe easily. First, write a description which reveals a positive attitude toward the animal. Then think of the same animal and write a description which reveals a negative attitude. Remember that the animal’s looks do not change; only your attitude changes. Use imagery rather than explanation to create your descriptions.

Your answer:

Answer 1

Question 1: The Mariner’s attitude in the first stanza is one of morbid reflection and sorrow. He views the "beautiful" men as lifeless, emphasizing a stark contrast between their once-vibrant beauty and their current dead state. The image that reveals this attitude is the phrase “And they all dead did lie,” which underscores the tragic and haunting reality of death, overshadowing any appreciation for their beauty.

Question 2: In the second stanza, the Mariner’s attitude shifts to one of fascination and wonder towards the creatures of the sea. The description of the creatures as having "rich attire" and possessing colors like "blue, glossy green, and velvet black" reflects a newfound appreciation for life and beauty in the marine environment. The imagery of "a flash of golden fire" emphasizes the vibrancy and vitality of these creatures, marking a stark contrast to the dead men from the first stanza. This shift indicates a development in the Mariner’s perception, moving from a sense of loss to an appreciation of life surrounding him.

Question 3: Positive Attitude: The golden retriever bounded across the sunlit grass, its fur shimmering like strands of honey in the warm afternoon glow. With bright, eager eyes that sparkled with joy, it wagged its tail like a flag, inviting everyone around to join in its exuberance. Each bark was a melody of happiness, and as it playfully nudged my hand with its soft nose, I felt a surge of warmth and camaraderie; this furry companion seemed to embody pure, unadulterated joy.

Negative Attitude: The golden retriever loomed in the shadows, a restless creature with matted fur that hung limply around its frame. Its once-bright eyes now flickered with a dull, lifeless gaze, and every bark seemed to reverberate with impatience, grating against the stillness of the day. When it approached me, the undeniable smell of wet dog and dirt filled the air, and its slobbery tongue brushed against my hand with an unsettling eagerness, leaving behind an unpleasant reminder of the chaos that followed in its wake.