Paper 202

1. Discuss the difference between past and present narratives in “Rime of the Ancient
Mariner”

Ans: In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the narrative structure
plays a crucial role in conveying the poem's themes and ideas. The poem employs a unique
narrative technique, oscillating between past and present narratives, which creates a sense of
depth and complexity. This essay will explore the differences between past and present
narratives in the poem, examining their distinct characteristics, functions, and effects on the
reader.

Past Narrative:
The past narrative in the poem refers to the ancient mariner's account of his journey, which is
presented through a series of flashbacks. This narrative is characterized by a sense of
remoteness, nostalgia, and introspection. The mariner's story is told in a dreamlike, lyrical
language, which creates a sense of detachment from the present moment. The past narrative is
fragmented, with the mariner's memories presented in a non-linear fashion, jumping between
different events and emotions.

The past narrative serves several purposes. Firstly, it allows the mariner to confront his past
actions and their consequences, demonstrating the psychological impact of his experiences.
Secondly, it enables Coleridge to explore themes such as guilt, isolation, and the human
condition. The past narrative also creates a sense of mystery and suspense, drawing the reader
into the mariner's world.

Present Narrative:
The present narrative, on the other hand, is characterized by a sense of immediacy and
urgency. It is presented in a more direct, conversational style, with the mariner addressing the
wedding guest directly. The present narrative serves as a framing device, providing a context for
the mariner's story and emphasizing its significance.

The present narrative highlights the mariner's current state of mind, revealing his obsessive
nature and his need to share his tale with others. The wedding guest's presence also serves as
a foil to the mariner's isolation, emphasizing the contrast between the mariner's past
experiences and his current circumstances.

Comparison and Contrast:

The past and present narratives differ significantly in terms of tone, language, and function. The
past narrative is lyrical and dreamlike, while the present narrative is more direct and
conversational. The past narrative explores the mariner's inner world, while the present
narrative focuses on his external circumstances.
However, both narratives are interconnected, with the past narrative informing the present and
vice versa. The mariner's past experiences have shaped his present state, and his current
circumstances influence his recollection of past events. This interplay between past and present
creates a sense of depth and complexity, highlighting the dynamic nature of human experience.

Conclusion:
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the past and present narratives work together to create a
rich and complex poem. The past narrative provides a window into the mariner's psyche,
exploring themes of guilt, isolation, and the human condition. The present narrative serves as a
framing device, emphasizing the significance of the mariner's story and highlighting his current
state of mind. The interplay between past and present narratives creates a sense of depth and
complexity, demonstrating the dynamic nature of human experience. Through this narrative
structure, Coleridge masterfully conveys the poem's themes and ideas, leaving a lasting impact
on the reader.

2. What is the role of memory in “Tintern Abbey"? What is the significance of the poet’s
recollection of his past.

Ans: In "Tintern Abbey," William Wordsworth explores the role of memory in shaping our
understanding of ourselves and our relationship with nature. The poem is a meditation on the
poet's return to a place he visited five years earlier, and his recollections of that past experience
serve as a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery.

Memory plays a crucial role in the poem, as it allows the poet to reflect on his past experiences
and emotions, and to trace the development of his thoughts and feelings over time. The poet's
recollections of his past are significant because they reveal his changing perspective on nature
and his own place within it.

In the first stanza, the poet recalls his earlier visit to Tintern Abbey, and how he was struck by
the beauty of the natural world. He remembers feeling a sense of joy and wonder, and how the
experience left a lasting impression on him. However, he also notes that his perspective has
shifted since then, and that he now sees the world in a different light.

The poet's recollections of his past serve several purposes. Firstly, they allow him to explore the
nature of memory itself, and how it shapes our understanding of ourselves and our experiences.
He notes how memories can be fleeting and unreliable, and how they can be influenced by our
emotions and biases. However, he also suggests that memories can be a source of inspiration
and guidance, and that they can help us to make sense of our lives.

Secondly, the poet's recollections of his past allow him to explore his changing relationship with
nature. He notes how his earlier visit to Tintern Abbey was characterized by a sense of wonder
and awe, but that he now sees the natural world in a more nuanced and complex light. He
recognizes that nature is not just a source of beauty, but also a source of comfort, solace, and
inspiration.
Finally, the poet's recollections of his past serve as a means of exploring his own personal
growth and development. He reflects on how his experiences have shaped him, and how he has
learned to appreciate the beauty of nature in a more profound way. He notes how his earlier visit
to Tintern Abbey was a turning point in his life, and how it marked the beginning of a new era of
self-discovery and personal growth.

In conclusion, the role of memory in "Tintern Abbey" is complex and multifaceted. The poet's
recollections of his past serve as a means of exploring the nature of memory, his changing
relationship with nature, and his own personal growth and development. Through his memories,
the poet is able to gain a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world, and to
appreciate the beauty and significance of his experiences. The poem ultimately suggests that
memory is a powerful tool for self-discovery, and that it can help us to make sense of our lives
and our place in the world.