Nature and Imagination · English Literature

In Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', the act of shooting the Albatross is a crime against:

  1. The maritime laws of England governing behavior at sea during long voyages
  2. The hospitality and sanctity of the natural/divine order
  3. The economic value of the bird's feathers and its importance to the ship's trade
  4. The navigator's ability to see and accurately interpret the stars for direction
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Correct answer: The hospitality and sanctity of the natural/divine order

By killing the bird for no reason, the Mariner violates the 'One Life'—Coleridge's idea that all living things are interconnected. His penance involves learning to love and bless all creatures 'both great and small'.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 20

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