Question: Herbert’s spiritual conflict in the poem The Collar?
Introduction
George Herbert (1593-1633) was an Anglican priest in the country church. Herbert’s poetry is the expression of religion and God. The poem “The Collar” reveals the spiritual conflict of Herbert’s mind that is given below with logical arguments.
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Rebellious feelings
Being an Anglican priest Herbert was not satisfied with his priesthood. He had some worldly interest. So, “The Collar’’ is the reflection of his rebellious mind. Here, Herbert expresses his limitation as a priest. He would be free from such a restricted life. The following lines bear the meaning of Herbert’s desires.
“What? Shall I ever sigh and pine?
My lines and life are free; free as the rode;
Loose as the winde, as large as store,
Shall I be still in suit?”
Restriction as a priest
The word Collar conveys the idea of the collar worn by a priest as a symbol of his priesthood, it also refers to the meaning of restrictions from the material world. Herbert is so tired to lead a priestly life. So, such a rebellious question rises in his mind.
Disappointment
In all the religion, the person who observes the religious activity of Shrine do not have permission to lead a life like an ordinary man. Their life is tied with the hand of religious rules and regulations. To observe these religious rules Herbert feels disappoint which is why he wants a free life.
A submissive servant
Though he is restless throughout the poem, at the end of the poem, he could understand his misconception and replies cordially when he feels in his heart that God is calling him.
“My lord I am still your servant”
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Conclusion
In fine, we can say that Herbert’s poem “The Collar” is the reflection of universal mentality because human beings want to follow the true path but they are misguided by Satan very minutely. So, the philosophy of the poem is that only the truly religious man can find his right track though he may be on the track for a time being.
