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What spiritual dilemma does Herbert evince in “The Collar"?

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What spiritual dilemma does Herbert evince in “The Collar"?

George Herbert (1593-1633) was a priest in the Church of England. In “The Collar” (1633), Herbert expresses a spiritual dilemma. On one side, he feels burdened by his religious duties. He wants to leave this life and live with freedom and luxury. One the other, Herbert knows God exists, and he cannot run away from his faith. He hears God’s gentle voice and returns to faith.

Angry and Tired: At the beginning, the poet hits the table and says he will go out and leave his religious life.

“I struck the board, and cried, "No more;

I will abroad!”

This means he is angry and tired. He longs to do whatever he wants. He thinks his life is free as the open road and loose as the wind. He wants to live like other people—free, happy, and full of joy. 

Unhappy and Doubtful: The poet feels that his life has no

joy or reward, even though he has been loyal to God. He says there was “wine” (pleasure) and “corn” (blessings) in his life. But now, he feels alone and guilty. He also starts to doubt God’s existence. He starts to convince himself that his faith is just a false “cage” he has built for himself from his own “thoughts.” The poet wants to live freely, without thinking about right or wrong. 

God’s Soft Voice: At the end, when he is full of wild emotions, the poet hears a soft voice calling:

“Child!

And I replied My Lord.”

This shows he returns to God in the end. This simple ending shows that the poet’s love for God is stronger than his spiritual dilemma.

In short, Herbert shows that a religious person can struggle with doubt, anger, and confusion, but in the end, he listens to God’s gentle voice and chooses love and faith again.

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