Give a picture of his home life. What are the chief traits of his character? OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF THE ANCIENT MARINER I. Preparation This is a wonderful poem, which makes a profound impression on an imaginative mind; but it is most difficult to teach. This is because of its very simplicity. The teacher must try to put himself into the attitude of a child and read the poem several times until the vividness of the pictures and the beauty of the language have captivated his imagination. Then he must attempt to put his pupils into the same frame of mind. At this point it is helpful to discuss the differences between prose and poetry, the beauty or horror of a vivid dream, and the real truth that often underlies a fairy story or a dream story. Next, the translation of the Latin quotation that is prefixed to the poem may be read and discussed simply, especially the first sentence. The teacher must try to secure from his class, if possible, what Coleridge calls "that willing suspension of disbelief which constitutes poetic faith." II. Reading and Study After this very important preparation and a rapid reading of the poem, as in the case of _The Lady of the Lake_, the teacher will find it profitable to read the poem again rather slowly with the class in order to bring out the meaning of words, the clearness of the pictures, the simple train of incidents, the rapidity of the narrative, the remarkable development of the Mariner's character, and the simple beauty of his faith and love. III. Study of the Poem as a Whole SETTING.--To whom and under what circumstances was the story told? How do music, and feasting, and ceremony serve to set off the story? Trace the course of the Mariner's voyage. Can you form any idea of the time when he lived, or of the length of time that he was absent on his voyage? Why was not Coleridge more definite in regard to time and place? "The poem is a story told by pictures." Name the most important ones. Note the details that make them clear. In what respects are they unusual? PLOT.--Name the incidents that lead to the killing of the albatross; those that lead from the killing of the albatross to the blessing of the water snakes; and those that lead from this point to the end. Show how one incident leads to another by the law of cause and effect. Show how the killing of the albatross and the blessing of the water snakes are the most important events of all. How does the author impress us with the importance of the Mariner's crime? Which events in the story are caused by the Mariner? which by the supernatural beings? Show how the author makes improbable events, like the coming of the spectre-bark, seem probable. CHARACTERS.--Show why the Mariner is the only important human character. In what respect are the supernatural characters important? How are they like mortals? how unlike? Describe the Mariner's appearance. Trace carefully the changes in the development of his character.