Rhyme Scheme Of The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner Crossword Clue

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Unraveling the Rhyme Scheme of "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner": A Crossword Clue's Deep Dive

The crossword clue "Rhyme scheme of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" might seem deceptively simple. However, understanding Coleridge's complex metrical and rhyming structure requires a deeper exploration than a simple ABCB answer. This article will delve into the intricacies of the poem's rhyme scheme, examining its variations, its impact on the narrative, and why it's more nuanced than a quick crossword answer suggests.

Beyond the Simple ABCB:

While many sources will offer "ABCB" as the answer to the crossword clue, this is a gross simplification. Coleridge's masterpiece employs a ballad stanza, typically consisting of four lines with a rhyme scheme of ABCB. However, the consistency of this scheme throughout the entire 625 lines of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a considerable overstatement. The poem showcases a fascinating interplay of regularity and deviation, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the Mariner's journey and the unsettling experience it represents.

Variations and Their Significance:

The poem's rhyme scheme is far from rigid. Coleridge employs several variations to enhance the poem's dramatic effect and thematic resonance:

• Internal Rhyme: Coleridge masterfully uses internal rhyme within individual lines, creating a musicality that heightens the poem's mystical and haunting quality. For example, the line "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew" uses internal rhyme ("blew" and "flew") to emphasize the motion and power of the sea. These internal rhymes often supplement or even momentarily supersede the expected ABCB structure.

• Near Rhymes (Slant Rhymes): Coleridge utilizes near rhymes or slant rhymes ("eye rhymes") where the vowel sounds are similar but not identical, and/or the consonant sounds are similar at the end of words. This adds a touch of ambiguity and imperfection, mirroring the Mariner's flawed and fragmented recollection of his ordeal. This technique subtly disrupts the expected regularity, adding to the poem's unsettling atmosphere. For example, the use of words like "heaven" and "given" in proximate lines may appear to rhyme, but the subtle differences create a sense of unease.

• Broken Rhymes: Occasionally, Coleridge breaks the expected rhyme entirely. This can serve to emphasize a shift in tone, emotion, or narrative focus. Such breaks create a sense of dramatic urgency and underscore the unpredictable nature of the Mariner's experience. These omissions can often represent the Mariner's struggle to articulate his horrific tale, highlighting the limitations of language in conveying such a profound and otherworldly event.

• Enjambment: The use of enjambment, where a sentence or clause runs over from one line to the next without punctuation, further complicates the perceived rhyme scheme. Enjambment often occurs across rhyming lines, blurring the boundary between rhyme and rhythm and creating a fluid, almost hypnotic effect. This technique enhances the poem’s overall flow, creating a hypnotic rhythm that draws the reader into the Mariner's tale.

Thematic Resonance of the Rhyme Scheme:

The irregular and unpredictable nature of the rhyme scheme directly relates to the themes of the poem:

• Chaos and Order: The poem's narrative oscillates between moments of serene beauty and terrifying chaos. The shifting rhyme scheme reflects this duality, creating a sense of instability and unpredictability mirroring the Mariner's unpredictable journey.

• Supernatural Experience: The poem’s supernatural elements are amplified by the shifting rhyme scheme. The breaks and irregularities mirror the unnatural, unsettling nature of the Mariner's encounter with the supernatural.

• The Mariner's Guilt and Repentance: The poem's structure reflects the Mariner's journey from guilt and isolation to eventual repentance. The unpredictable nature of the rhyme scheme mirrors this internal struggle and eventual reconciliation.

Analyzing Specific Stanzas:

Let's examine a few stanzas to illustrate the complexities:

(Stanza 1):

It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three. “By thy long grey beard and glittering eye, Now wherefore stopp’st thou me?”

This stanza follows the basic ABCB pattern.

(Stanza 20):

The Sun’s rim dips; the stars rush out: At one stride comes the dark; With far-heard whisper, o’er the sea, Off shot the spectre-bark!

This stanza, while appearing to follow ABCB, subtly deviates with the near rhyme of "out" and "dark."

(Stanza 100):

“Farewell, Farewell!” the bridemaids cried, And did their blushes hide; But to the mariner let fall, “God save thee,” said she.

This stanza uses a near rhyme between "cried" and "hide," while highlighting the more distinct rhyme of "fall" and "she."

Conclusion:

The simple answer to the crossword clue, "ABCB," while technically correct as a general description, significantly undersells the complexity and artistry of Coleridge's rhyme scheme in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The poem's subtle variations, including internal rhymes, near rhymes, broken rhymes, and enjambment, contribute significantly to its overall effect. These variations mirror the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the Mariner's journey and the emotional weight of his tale. A true appreciation of the poem requires recognizing this nuanced and dynamic approach to rhyme, which transcends the limitations of a simple, static scheme. The poem’s rhyme scheme is not merely a formal element; it is a crucial aspect of its narrative structure and thematic complexity, showcasing Coleridge's masterful command of language and poetic form.