The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

What are the consequences of the mariner's being won by Life-in-Death (lines 190-198) rather than by Death?

I really don't get this part...

Asked by
Last updated by cesar c #244731
Answers 2
Add Yours

This is in part 3. The ghost ship is separate from the natural world - it sails without wind, and its inhabitants are spirits. Death and Life-in-Death are allegorical figures who become frighteningly real for the sailors, especially the Ancient Mariner, whose soul Life-in-Death "wins", thereby dooming him to a fate worse than death. Even those sailors whose souls go to hell seem freer than the Ancient Mariner; while their souls fly unencumbered out of their bodies, he is destined to be trapped in his indefinitely - a living hell.

Life-in-Death, who takes on the form of an alluring naked woman, represents perpetual temptation. Because she wins the Ancient Mariner's soul, he is doomed to die only when he has paid his due...perhaps never. As we learn later, the Ancient Mariner is cursed to continually feel the agonizing compulsion to tell his tale to others; although telling the tale allows him temporary relief, he may never be free. I hope this makes sense to you!

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-rime-of-the-ancient-mariner/study-guide/section3/

Thank you! It makes sense now. I truly appreciate it!