The works of Thomas Coleridge, Shirley Geok-lin Lim, George Lucas and Douglas Adams provide a broad understanding of the concept of imaginative journey. These composers" texts illustrate that through imaginative journeys, one is able to explore various psychological states. Equally, they demonstrate that imaginative journeys often provide morals, lessons or insights relating to human nature and experience. Finally, the fantastical, speculative nature of imaginary journeys has enabled composers to probe beyond convention, questioning human existence. .
"The Rime of The Ancient Mariner," written by Thomas Coleridge, explores a number of psychological states. Coleridge focuses closely upon the loneliness and isolation endured by the Mariner. This is articulated through the use of imagery of enormous scale, such as the sea, sky and God. Compared to a single sailor and his ship, these phenomena are immense, thus intensifying the isolation of the Mariner. Similarly, repetition, for instance "Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide, wide sea!" is employed simply, reinforcing the mariner's desolation. Throughout the mariner's imaginative journey, the description of natural elements is employed to reflect his and the other sailors" emotions. Whilst the wind is strong and the sailing free, simile is employed to compare the sun to "God's own head," reflecting the crew's confidence. However, when the wind quells, the sun seems "a broad and burning face," illustrating the crew's maddened, desperate emotional state. Additionally, Coleridge's use of ballad form is pivotal in portraying the sailors" changing, volatile emotions. Ballad is typified by bold, simple verse. Thus, the simple, yet bold, diction employed in ballad highlights the intensity of the mariner's journey.
"Frost at Midnight," also written by Coleridge, can be linked to the mariner's journey through its exploration of loneliness.
