How does Herbert want to celebrate Christ’s victory over Death?

How does Herbert want to celebrate Christ’s victory over Death? 

George Herbert (1593-1633), the 17th-century metaphysical poet, expresses his desire to celebrate Christ’s victory over death in his poems. Both “Easter Wings” and “The Collar” explore themes of redemption, surrender, and spiritual renewal. All of Herbert’s poem expresses his deep devotion to God.

In “Easter Wings,” Herbert employs a unique visual structure, arranging the lines of the poem in the shape of angel wings. This creative design serves as a metaphorical representation of the resurrection and Christ’s triumph over death. The poem opens with a lamentation of humanity’s fallen state, that caused our separation from God.  Poet says

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,

Though foolishly he lost the same,

Decaying more and more,

Till he became

Most poor.

However, as the poem progresses, Herbert emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. He speaks of redemption and the hope of regaining spiritual elevation, asking God to “mend” his “winged soul” and allow him to fly towards heaven. Poet says

        With thee

          Let me combine,

            And feel thy victorie

“The Collar” explores Herbert’s struggle with his own willfulness and desire for worldly pleasures. The poem begins with a tone of rebellion. Poet says, 

My lines and life are free, free as the road,

Loose as the wind, as large as store.

Then, He expresses frustration with the constraints of religious life. However, as the poem unfolds, Herbert surrenders. The speaker ultimately recognizes that true freedom lies in surrendering to God’s will. Herbert’s desire to celebrate Christ’s victory over death. It is reflected in his willingness to surrender his own desires and embrace divine guidance.

Finally, Herbert, through his poems,  invites the readers to surrender to the Creator and to follow the path of truth.