In 1798, Samuel Taylor Coleridge published his poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Several editions followed, the most notable being the 1815 version, which included a gloss. This poem has become well known and debated, particularly in regards to the message Coleridge was trying to convey. The interpretation of the poem as a whole and of various characters, settings and objects has been the subject of numerous essays, articles, books and conferences. There are about four things that are major symbols in this work, as well as the possibility that the structure itself is symbolic. To best determine what these things symbolize in “The Rime,” one must look at what Coleridge considered a symbol. then analyze the text accordingly. James McKusick accomplishes this first task skillfully, interweaving Coleridge's own writings into his essay and then elucidating them so that the reader can understand Coleridge's views, which should then influence how the poem is interpreted. In this, Own discovers that Coleridge believed that to be a symbol, the object in question had to be humble and everyday, while “bearing witness to the presence of the Eternal”. The process of creating a symbol was twofold in that "poetic images emerge fully formed from...the imagination, but they only become symbols, charged...with meaning, when they are appropriated and reconstituted by consciousness of a reader” (McKusick). 223). So the purpose of a symbol was to convey the Lord. Another important characteristic of Coleridge is that, to create a symbol, he often uses nature and its elements, as can be seen in “The Rime” (Bostetter 242, Perkins 433). Depending on the interpretation of the poem as a whole with ...... middle of paper ...... the poem and possibly imply that it is also the center of the universe (Dilworth). Interpretation of a literary work is often difficult to determine, but the author often leaves many hidden clues to help the reader. Symbols are one of the main features used by authors in this endeavor and Coleridge was no different when writing “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. There are many other symbols besides the four main ones discussed, as well as other literary features that can act as symbols or simply help expose the message the author wanted to convey. Ultimately, the beauty of literature is that each person can perceive it differently and not make mistakes, and through open discussion people can share, create and transmit new pieces of wisdom, spread knowledge. appreciation and sharing the love of Christ as Good.