Rime of the Ancient Mariner and The Raven

From Everyone Should Read by Everyone Should Read

October 1, 2025 · 24 min · Season 1 · Episode 5

About this episode

Kate Watters and Drew Sylva explore the Gothic tradition in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.

Step into the haunting world of Gothic poetry as Kate Watters and Drew Sylva unravel two of literature’s most iconic works: Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. In this episode of Everyone Should Read, they explore how these poems capture the essence of the Gothic tradition—mystery, superstition, horror, and the sublime—while also shaping the way we understand fear, guilt, and the supernatural in modern culture. From the cursed voyage of Coleridge’s mariner to Poe’s hypnotic refrain of “Nevermore,” Kate and Drew break down key themes, historical context, and cultural impact. Whether you’re a fan of Romantic poetry, Gothic literature, or simply want to understand why these chilling verses remain unforgettable, this episode will guide you through the shadows of two masterpieces that defined the genre.

People in this episode

Hosts: Kate Watters, Drew Sylva

Topics covered

Gothic poetry
Romantic poetry
literary analysis
fear and guilt
supernatural themes
cultural impact

Keywords

Gothic literature
Coleridge
Poe
literature analysis
superstition
horror
sublime

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Rime of the Ancient Mariner, The Raven