An Instantiation of Transnational Connection in Samuel Taylor Coledridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

This research paper examines the theme of 
transnational connection in Samuel Taylor 
Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient 
Mariner." Through an analysis of the 
poem's portrayal of the natural world and 
its interconnectedness with human beings, 
the paper argues that the poem emphasizes 
the global nature of our relationship with 
the environment. The poem is set against 
the backdrop of the British Empire during 
the Romantic era when the expansion of 
the British Empire was at its peak, and the 
concept of the "white man's burden" was 
prevalent. The poem's portrayal of the 
darker side of imperialism, as the mariner's 
actions are seen as a metaphor for the 
destructive impact of colonialism on the 
natural world and on the cultures and 
peoples it encounters. The paper also 
analyses the damaged sailor's story, which 
is one of conquest, exploitation, and 
destruction, and the challenges that 
colonial powers faced in their efforts to 
expand. The paper concludes that the poem 
explores the themes of cultural diversity 
and unity, and how these themes relate to 
contemporary discussions of transnational 
connections and global citizenship. 
Through this analysis, the paper offers a 
deeper understanding of the poem's 
message and its relevance to contemporary 
discussions of environmentalism and 
cultural diversity.