Answer: In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the albatross symbolizes the idea of penance, or the act of making amends for one's sins. This is because the albatross is initially seen as a good omen, bringing good luck to the ship and its crew. However, when the mariner kills the albatross, he commits a great sin against nature and brings a curse upon the ship. The rest of the poem is about the mariner's journey to make amends for his sin and lift the curse.
The hanging of the albatross around the mariner's neck is symbolic of his guilt and shame for killing the bird. The albatross becomes a physical burden that the mariner must carry with him as a reminder of his sin. It also serves as a punishment for his crime, as he is forced to bear the weight of the dead bird around his neck. This punishment is a form of penance, as the mariner must suffer for his sin before he can be forgiven and released from the curse. In this way, the albatross serves as a powerful symbol of the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption that are explored throughout the poem.
Step-by-step explanation: