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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. In what direction is the Mariner looking when he spots something at the Line?

2. At what time of day does the Mariner wake up after fainting?

3. What do the recently evacuated spirits form?

4. What falls into the sea, like lead?

5. How many times does the Woman whistle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two body parts are most strongly emphasized in Part III? How?

2. How do you describe the change in the Mariner's condition through Part IV of the poem?

3. Describe what the Mariner sees when he turns his eyes back to the deck of the Ship, after describing the harbor in Part VI.

4. What do the two spirits discuss at the end of Part V?

5. Describe the death of the crew.

6. Why are the souls of the crew compared to the cross-bow?

7. What is the Mariner's initial reaction to his surroundings in Part IV? Why is this significant?

8. After regaining consciousness from fainting, what does the Mariner again feel the effects of? What are those effects?

9. What does the Mariner mean when he says, "O let me be awake, my God! / Or let me sleep alway," in the middle of Part VI?

10. Why does the Guest interrupt the Mariner in Part V? How does the Mariner respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explicate the structure of the poem's story. Be sure to discuss complication, climax, and reversal (as well as any other applicable dramatic elements). Analyze how the elements move from one to the next.

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 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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