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The Collar (George Herbert) Poem Analysis

Rebellion and Submission in George Herbert's "The Collar"Introduction

"The Collar" is one of George Herbert's most famous and intriguing poems, exploring themes of rebellion, submission, and the struggle for spiritual understanding. Written in the 17th century as part of Herbert's collection "The Temple," the poem captures the speaker's internal conflict as they grapple with their faith and the constraints it imposes on their life. By analyzing the poem's form, language, and imagery, we can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages that Herbert conveys in this captivating work.

Structure and Form

"The Collar" is composed of thirteen quatrains, each with an AABB rhyme scheme. The poem's structure is somewhat irregular, with lines varying in length and rhythm. This irregularity reflects the speaker's tumultuous emotional state and their struggle to reconcile their rebellious impulses with their religious convictions.

Language and Imagery

Herbert's use of language and imagery in "The Collar" is both evocative and powerful. The poem begins with the speaker's declaration, "I struck the board, and cry'd, No more" (line 1), which conveys a sense of frustration and defiance. The image of the "collar" itself serves as a central metaphor in the poem, symbolizing the constraints imposed by religious devotion and the speaker's desire to break free from these limitations.

Throughout the poem, the speaker employs vivid images to express their sense of confinement and longing for freedom. For example, they describe their "cage" (line 7) and "rope" (line 14) as symbols of entrapment, while also lamenting the loss of their "youthful time" (line 21) and "mirth" (line 25). These images paint a vivid picture of the speaker's internal struggle and their desire to regain control over their life.

Themes and Interpretation

A key theme in "The Collar" is the tension between rebellion and submission. The speaker grapples with their desire for freedom and autonomy, while also recognizing the importance of their religious faith. This conflict is evident in lines such as "Have I no harvest but a thorn / To let me blood, and not restore / What I have lost with cordial fruit?" (lines 16-18), which express the speaker's sense of loss and disillusionment with their spiritual path.

Another central theme in the poem is the power of divine grace and intervention. Despite the speaker's rebellious impulses, they ultimately find solace in the voice of God, which calls them back to their faith with the words "Child" (line 34). This moment of divine intervention signifies the speaker's submission to God and their willingness to embrace the spiritual constraints that they had previously sought to escape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, George Herbert's "The Collar" is a compelling exploration of the struggle between rebellion and submission, as well as the transformative power of divine grace. Through its irregular structure, evocative language, and vivid imagery, the poem captures the speaker's internal conflict as they grapple with their faith and the constraints it imposes on their life. Ultimately, "The Collar" serves as a powerful meditation on the complexities of the human condition and the ongoing struggle for spiritual understanding and growth.