Lady Glitter Sparkles
2nd Period
Final Exam Blogpost Template
Influences of Postmodernism
Introduction
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a narrative poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published in 1798. It tells the story of an old sailor who stops a young wedding guest to recount his harrowing tale of a sea voyage. The mariner, aboard a ship with a crew, shoots an albatross, bringing a curse upon the ship and its crew. They face various supernatural trials, including death, thirst, and guilt. Ultimately, the mariner learns the value of all living things and the importance of redemption. The poem explores themes of sin, redemption, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. When looking through a postmodern lens at the tales intertextuality, and fragmentation can be seen.
Intertextuality
incorporates elements of folklore and superstition, such as the belief in the albatross as a symbol of good luck and the subsequent curse that befalls the mariner and his crewmates. Additionally, the maritime setting and adventure narrative evoke the rich tapestry of maritime lore, grounding the poem in a vivid and immersive world of sea voyages and exploration. Through its intricate web of intertextuality, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" offers readers a multifaceted exploration of human experience and the mysteries of existence.
Connection
This type of intertextuality is also found in Decortication of an Airplane by Book Suraski.
The story references various cultural and literary elements, such as the image of an airplane shedding its skin, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for societal decay or corruption. The story explores themes of transformation, which is common in literature and mythology. By engaging with these universal themes, the narrative establishes intertextual connections to broader cultural and literary traditions. These intertextual references add layers of meaning and complexity to the narrative.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is evident in its non-linear narrative, shifting perspectives, dreamlike imagery, and portrayal of emotional and psychological turmoil. Samuel Taylor Coleridge employs a storytelling style that doesn't follow a straightforward timeline, often jumping between different moments in the mariner's journey and interspersing them with reflections and background information. This non-linear structure can be disorienting for readers but adds to the poem's overall complexity .Additionally, Coleridge's shifts in narrative perspective—from the mariner's own voice to a more omniscient narrator—contribute to the sense of fragmentation. The poem's surreal and often haunting imagery further enhances this fragmented quality, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
Connection
This fragmentation is also found in the music video “Heartless” by Morgan Wallen, the song portrays a sense of emotional fragmentation, with the narrator experiencing conflicting feelings about a past relationship. He oscillates between longing for the person he once loved and recognizing the toxicity of the relationship. This fragmentation mirrors the postmodern idea that narratives and identities are not fixed but rather fluid and multifaceted.
Conclusion
I think that all the works of literature have their own unique elements of postmodern techniques. With fragmentation, intertextuality, and even irony. Even though the Rime of the Ancient Mariner is not directly related to postmodern literature. Looking at it through a postmodern lens there were many elements of postmodernism.
Works Cited
Decortication of an airplane - [PANK]. (2022, March 10). [PANK]. https://pankmagazine.com/piece/decortication-of-an-airplane/. Assessed May 5, 2024.
AZLyrics - request for access. (n.d.). https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/diplo/heartless.html. Accessed May 7, 2024.