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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the Ship after the fog lifts?

2. Who wins the ancient Mariner?

3. Which Ocean is the ship described as entering?

4. As what colors does the water appear to burn?

5. How does the Guest listen to the Mariner?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Albatross hang around the neck of the Mariner?

2. Why do you think that the character listening to the Mariner is a wedding guest?

3. Why is the human mind "always circled around a knowledge of these things" but never attains such knowledge?

4. Why is it important for the mind to contemplate the invisible Natures?

5. Why is it important for man to remain objective in his studies of the two Natures?

6. Why do you think there is such a strong emphasis placed on the Mariner's eye in Part I?

7. What is significant about the Albatross being mentioned explicitly as a bird of good omen in the notes, and not in the Mariner's relation of the tale?

8. What are some of the punishments of the crew?

9. The Mariner has a look of intense regret on his face towards the end of Part I. Why does the Mariner look so, and why is it important?

10. What does it mean to be "vigilant for truth" and to "maintain proportion?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the superstition of the characters in the poem. How does superstition become a controlling factor in the lives of those on the Ship? How is superstition portrayed in the story? Is it frivolous and silly, or justified? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the role of the natural world in the poem. Analyze how it is used by characters and forces, why it is significant, in what ways it is important to the advancement of the story, how it is abused, and in what ways it is essential to the story.

Essay Topic 3

Present an in-depth analysis of the presence and importance of prayer in the story. Expound on the centrality and efficacy of prayer for the Mariner. Be sure to keep any and all judgments within the context of the poem alone.

(see the answer keys)

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