The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Why does the bird fall off his neck? Why does it sink "like lead"?

Even after the Mariner reaches the shore, his ship sinks like lead. What's the reason of that simile?

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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The albatross falls away from his neck as the guilt he carries is cast away. The bird sinks "like lead" symbolic of the heavy burden it has been.

Source(s)

Rime of the Ancient Mariner