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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. How many men does the Mariner meet?

2. Who alters the text of the poem's Epigraph?

3. In what year is the Epigraph added to the poem?

4. Where are the men the Mariner meets going?

5. What distracts the Guest?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In your own words, briefly describe the polar region. Be sure to include important descriptive details.

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

4. 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?

5. Why might it be significant that the crew cannot speak as part of their punishment?

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

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

8. Briefly explain what you take to be the significance of the Mariner shooting the Albatross with a crossbow.

9. 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?

10. Who is responsible for the becalming of the Ship, and how is this known?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Present an analysis of the poem's reversal. How does the Mariner move from despair to hope? Is it primarily a change in his external conditions, or his internal disposition? What impact do the natural and/or supernatural world have on the change in the Mariner?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the poem, eyes are prominently mentioned. Analyze the significance of their mentions, how they influence the story, and any deeper significance they might have. Feel free to include your personal opinions on the importance of eyes.

Essay Topic 3

Present a coherent analysis of the character of Wedding-Guest. Important things to consider include:

1) His unwillingness to listen but compulsion to do so;

2) His fearful interruptions;

3) His actions at the end of the story (not attending the wedding);

4) Waking up the following morning "sadder and wiser."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 753 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample