The Hermit’s Approach to the Wreck

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

This flow follows the Hermit from distant spiritual presence to witness, rescuer, and first recipient of the Ancient Mariner’s compelled confession.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Life in the Wood Life in the Wood from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Life in the Wood A Devotional Setting The Hermit lives in woodland sloping toward the sea and prays at morning, noon, and evening.

Life in the Wood from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Life in the Wood A Devotional Setting The Hermit lives in woodland sloping toward the sea and prays at morning, noon, and evening.

Life in the Wood A Devotional Setting The Hermit lives in woodland sloping toward the sea and prays at morning, noon, and evening. His remote life contrasts with the Mariner’s isolation at sea. A Welcome for Sailors He enjoys speaking with mariners from distant countries. That interest brings him naturally into the return voyage’s rescue scene.

The Pilot’s Boat The Pilot’s Boat from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The Pilot’s Boat A Witness at Sea The Hermit approaches with the Pilot and the Pilot’s boy as the ship nears land.

The Pilot’s Boat from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The Pilot’s Boat A Witness at Sea The Hermit approaches with the Pilot and the Pilot’s boy as the ship nears land.

The Pilot’s Boat A Witness at Sea The Hermit approaches with the Pilot and the Pilot’s boy as the ship nears land. Their boat offers the first human contact after the Mariner’s ordeal. Hope of Absolution The Ancient Mariner recognizes the Hermit and imagines that he can shrieve his soul. The hope precedes the unsettling destruction of the ship.

Warnings About the Ship Warnings About the Ship from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Warnings About the Ship Unfamiliar Appearance The Hermit and Pilot notice the warped planks and thin, worn sails.

Warnings About the Ship from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Warnings About the Ship Unfamiliar Appearance The Hermit and Pilot notice the warped planks and thin, worn sails.

Warnings About the Ship Unfamiliar Appearance The Hermit and Pilot notice the warped planks and thin, worn sails. The vessel seems less like a normal ship than a disturbing apparition. Different Reactions The Pilot fears the sight, while the Hermit urges the boat onward. Their contrast establishes both ordinary alarm and determined compassion before the wreck.

A Prayer at the Sinking A Prayer at the Sinking from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". A Prayer at the Sinking Sudden Destruction A rumbling sound reaches the ship, and it goes down like lead as the rescuers approach.

A Prayer at the Sinking from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". A Prayer at the Sinking Sudden Destruction A rumbling sound reaches the ship, and it goes down like lead as the rescuers approach.

A Prayer at the Sinking Sudden Destruction A rumbling sound reaches the ship, and it goes down like lead as the rescuers approach. The Hermit survives in the boat with the Ancient Mariner. Faith Under Shock The Hermit raises his eyes and prays after the terrifying noise. His response gives the scene a devotional counterpoint to the Pilot’s collapse.

The First Confessor The First Confessor from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The First Confessor A Question on Land The Hermit crosses his brow and asks the Ancient Mariner what manner of man he is.

The First Confessor from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The First Confessor A Question on Land The Hermit crosses his brow and asks the Ancient Mariner what manner of man he is.

The First Confessor A Question on Land The Hermit crosses his brow and asks the Ancient Mariner what manner of man he is. The rescued sailor cannot answer calmly. Testimony Begins Agony forces the Mariner to tell his tale. The Hermit’s question becomes the threshold through which private suffering turns into spoken confession.

Before the ship returns to the harbor

As the ship approaches the harbor

As the rescuers draw alongside

At the moment the ship sinks

Immediately after the shipwreck