“The Collar” appears in George Herbert’s collection of poetry The Temple, published in 1633. The poem likely draws on Biblical sources including the parable of the prodigal son (Luke xv 11-32). It is unique among the poems in The Temple for its lack of coherent metrical or rhyme scheme.
“The Collar” shows one man locked in a battle of wills between two different sides of himself: one rebels against God, as well as all forms of subservience and restraint. This inner voice laments its sadness, which has turned to anger, and threatens to shirk all responsibilities, going abroad. The second inner voice, however, tells the first voice that it is in a cage of its own creation, and that it must open its eyes to the truth. After this exchange, the second voice seemingly wins out, with the speaker heeding God’s call.
This poem has been widely discussed by critics and is considered one of Herbert’s best poems. Its hectic rhythm and rhyme scheme are unique in 17th-century literature, and the dialogue opens several ambiguities and possibilities for interpretation. Critics still debate the identities of the two voices, as well as the meaning of the final four lines.
