Q: Out the exact meaning thematically to the poem, “The Collar” by George Herbert.
The complex metaphors of George Herbert's metaphysical poem, "The Collar", which was first published in 1633. And it is a part of Herbert's book, “The Temple.” Additionally, he is recognised as "one of the foremost British devotional lyricists." As the poem unfolds, the speaker contemplates the pleasures and freedoms he has sacrificed for religion. The poem explores the concept of religious life that is complicated and can lead to frustration. Overall, Herbert's poem often delves into the tension between earthly passions and spiritual devotion, where "The Collar" is a poignant example of this “internal struggle.”
Herbert's poem "The Collar” consists of thirty-six rhymed couplets, and written in the first person. It expresses the speaker's feelings of frustration and rebellion against the restrictions of his religious duties. It shows, "Frustrated, angry, resentful." The poem is written in free verse, and it is considered as a “chaotic poem.” It has also an irregular rhyme scheme, and jumps from half or slant rhymes to full end rhymes. Its final four lines rhyme “ABAB.”
In the poem, Herbert expresses his frustration with the struggles of serving God. He feels choked by the collar of religious discipline and restrictions, rebelling and wishing to live freely. However, his rebellion is short-lived; he soon rebukes himself for his ingratitude and pledges renewed submission to God’s will. He recognizes that freedom leads only to suffering, while submitting to God’s yoke paradoxically sets one free. The poem wrestles with the resisting God’s call before finding peace in acceptance of obedience to the divine plan, however difficult at times. At the end, the poet expresses, “I heard one calling, Child!--/And I replied My lord."
To conclude, Herbert's poem "The Collar" emphasizes the idea that can be true freedom and contentment. It ought to be found in aligning one's desires with a higher and spiritual purpose. It reflects a transformation in his understanding and a realization that his rebellion and desire for freedom have led him to astray from his true purpose. Interestingly, the poem ends by calling from god, "Child." And he understands his erroneous concepts. Similarly, Herbert sheds light on the human characteristics of restlessness in his metaphorical poem, "The Pulley". According to Vernon D. Tate, Professor-librarian at the United States Naval Academy, “The Collar” is a “Principal support of main mast.”
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