The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Identify some of the qualities the Albatross symbolizes. Cite details from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” to support your interpretation.

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

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The albatross in Rime of the Ancient Mariner symbolizes Jesus Christ (Jesus is often metaphorically compared to a bird). Its murder is seen as the killing of a soul; it is revered as almost human. The killing os the albatross becomes the Mariner's birden of sin, and the willingness of the other sailors to join the mariner in his actions serves to symbolize Jesus' death on the cross.