Question

The poem has seven parts to it. The class could be divided into five groups and each group be asked to read one part of the remaining poem. Each group would then have to report their findings. The report can be made interesting with illustrations/power point presentations. Help could be taken from the following websites:

Answer 1

Group Task Structure

• Group 1: Covers Part 1 (The Wedding Guest and the ship setting sail).
• Group 2: Covers Part 2 (The Albatross arrives and the Mariner shoots it).
• Group 3: Covers Part 3 (The ghost ship appears and the crew dies).
• Group 4: Covers Part 4 (The Mariner’s loneliness and his blessing of the sea creatures).
• Group 5: Covers Parts 5, 6, and 7 (The ship returns, the Mariner is saved, and his eternal penance).

Tips for an Presentation

1. Visuals (Illustrations): Don’t just list events. If you are drawing, focus on the contrast. For example, draw a bright, happy scene for when the Albatross arrives versus a dark, gloomy scene for when the ship is becalmed.
2. Key Symbols: Every part has a symbol. Make sure your presentation explains what the symbol means (e.g., the Albatross = nature/innocence; the Dead Bird = guilt; the Sun = divine judgment).
3. The “Mariner’s Emotion”: Have a spokesperson from your group explain how the Mariner is feeling in your assigned part. Is he proud? Confused? Guilty? Terrified? Teachers love it when you show you understand the character’s internal journey.