What genre does Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" exemplify?

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a prime example of Romantic poetry. This genre is characterized by its emphasis on emotion, nature, individualism, and the supernatural, all of which are evident in Coleridge's work. The poem's rich imagery, exploration of deep emotional experiences, and themes of nature's power and the human spirit highlight the Romantic ideals of the time.

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" intricately weaves a tale filled with spiritual and mystical elements, such as the Mariner's encounters with the supernatural and his profound transformation throughout the journey. These hallmark features are essential aspects of Romantic poetry, making it distinct from other genres like realist prose, which focuses on everyday life and social norms, or pantomime, which revolves around theatrical performances with exaggerated and comedic elements. Additionally, lyrical drama, while it can contain emotional content and poetry, typically adheres more closely to the structure and themes of a dramatic narrative, differing from the expansive and reflective quality found in Coleridge's narrative poem.