"The Collar" by George Herbert

I found a decent website that gave an accurate summary of the poem...

This poem appears to reflect Herbert's consideration of how one should lead their life in order to become closer to God. Herbert reflects upon the bargain struck to move forward and thus (possibly)away from sin. The first part of the stanza notes the need to recognise the need to agree/bargain or haggle the price one should pay to stop grieving at mis-fortunes found in life and states the intention to move away/ onward from his previous way of life. Herbert questions the point of bemoaning ones lot – and acknowledges that one’s way in life includes a freedom of choice - therefore life is what one makes it. He ponders whether he can measure up to the challenge of this new way forward. Throughout the poem he appears to ponder what life offers and what he has to show for his existence Have I nothing else to give /produce?(other than to bleed at life’s hardship and not repent - let loose bad blood (evil) Should one only take part in a semi-harvest then one will only see what is lost not gained – The juices of life are not only sweet but produced from the pulp of fruit (possibly could refer to the fruits of one’s labour?)Aluding to the thought that there are many facets of life which contribute to the making of it – Wine is made from the whole fruit (yet represents the body of Christ) what is left is discarded -such as pulp, seeds skin but it would not have been possible to make the wine without therefore the whole/entire person(mind and body) is required to make the best of what one is given. It could be that Herbert is drawing a comparison to the idea that in death the husk of the person (the body) will be discarded and that the produce/juices of the body is simply the soul. Wasting the produce / harvest represents not making the most of what one has been given. Has one nothing to show for labour/toil –existence? Can there be nothing to show for the year? Can’t one crown / top what has been provided – celebrate the beauty and goodness – look for the good rather than the bad? (This could also be considering that others in the world also suffer) Recognising that there is reward if one looks at what can be harvested – should God’s endowment not be celebrated? Take back all the sighs/ moaning and regrets- recoup your losses to judge what is worthy of one’s self and refrain from that which restricts the boundaries of goodness – give up pointless / useless bonds which encourage negative thoughts. Rather one should seek strong bonds – look for the good for inspiration – Making this the way that one governs his/her way in life. While ones eyes are closed to this train of thought the way will not be lit / shown. Herbert suggests that he has moved away from the discourse of regret and immediate gratification of worldly goods. Reign in your fears and receive your just deserts the way you clothe/conduct your life will reap its reward. (Suggests that reflected in the bible- give up your worldly goods to find reward in heaven.) A reflection that the reader / listener should take notice of these thoughts/warning; suggesting that the whilst raging against injustices of life Herbert came to hear the voice of God and responded by turning to religion. I would be very interested (welcome)other peoples considerations and point of views!!

http://www.poetryconnection.net/poets/George_Herbert/7233/comments
This website has been helpful for a few of the poems that we have already read, of course, reading this is not a substitute for reading the actual poem and breaking it down stanza by stanza, but it can help further your understanding.

John Leskow