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Rescue at the Harbor

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

This flow follows the apparent homecoming from familiar landmarks to the Hermit’s boat, shipwreck, and the Mariner’s survival on land.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Landmarks ReappearLandmarks Reappear from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Landmarks Reappear Country Recognized The Ancient Mariner sees the lighthouse, hill, and kirk and recognizes his own country.
Landmarks Reappear Country Recognized The Ancient Mariner sees the lighthouse, hill, and kirk and recognizes his own country. The sight offers a return to the familiar after an uncanny passage. Hope and Fear Together He prays to be awake or to sleep forever. Home is desired, but the accumulated ordeal makes arrival emotionally uncertain.
The Harbor BayThe Harbor Bay from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The Harbor Bay Quiet Water The bay is clear and smooth beneath moonlight. Rock and kirk appear steady against the strangeness aboard the ship.
The Harbor Bay Quiet Water The bay is clear and smooth beneath moonlight. Rock and kirk appear steady against the strangeness aboard the ship. An Unusual Welcome Crimson shadows rise near the vessel, followed by shining figures on the dead sailors. The homeward setting combines calm beauty with supernatural spectacle.
The Rescuers ArriveThe Rescuers Arrive from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The Rescuers Arrive Human Help Appears The Ancient Mariner hears oars and sees the Pilot, his boy, and the Hermit approach.
The Rescuers Arrive Human Help Appears The Ancient Mariner hears oars and sees the Pilot, his boy, and the Hermit approach. For the first time since the crew’s deaths, living people come near. Joy Against Horror The Mariner feels joy that the dead cannot spoil. His response shows that the prospect of human fellowship still matters despite the supernatural setting.
The Ship Goes DownThe Ship Goes Down from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The Ship Goes Down Sudden Wreck A rumbling sound rises underwater and splits the bay. The ship sinks like lead beside the rescuers.
The Ship Goes Down Sudden Wreck A rumbling sound rises underwater and splits the bay. The ship sinks like lead beside the rescuers. Rescue Through Destruction The vessel’s disappearance ends the voyage in a catastrophe, but the Ancient Mariner finds himself in the Pilot’s boat. Survival arrives through the loss of the ship.
Landfall and ConfessionLandfall and Confession from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". Landfall and Confession The Mariner Reaches Home The Ancient Mariner stands on firm land while the Hermit can scarcely stand.
Landfall and Confession The Mariner Reaches Home The Ancient Mariner stands on firm land while the Hermit can scarcely stand. The Pilot falls into a fit, and the Pilot’s boy reacts with wild laughter. A New Ordeal Begins The Hermit asks what manner of man the Mariner is. Agony forces the reply into a tale, turning rescue into the beginning of confession.
During the supernatural homeward passage
As the ship crosses the harbor bar
As the Pilot’s boat reaches the ship
As the boat draws beneath the ship
Immediately after the boat reaches shore