The Relationship of Abelard and Heloise: Women in the Middle Ages
The Relationship of Abelard and Heloise: Women in the Middle Ages
Heloise and Abelard are two prominent figures in love related medieval literature. The story of their love affair, as well as the unfortunate falling out of their relationship set them apart from all others at the time. The Letters of Abelard and Heloise tell a story of a truly historic romance. "God knows I never sought anything in you except yourself; I wanted simply you, nothing of yours." This is just one example of the true love depicted by these two special individuals. The central idea of The Letters of Abelard and Heloise is about the ins and outs of forbidden love in the middle ages, and also the consequences it entails. Peter Abelard rose in prominence due to his teaching abilities, and innovative thinking. Heloise was the well educated niece of Canon Fulbert.
Abelard set his sights on educating Heloise, and offered to be a private tutor to Heloise. Abelard then convinced the uncle of Heloise to let him live with them in order to better serve Heloise. The passion Abelard had to teach and the passion Heloise had to learn quickly turned into a passion for romance with one another. Lust grew and took over their relationship. Abelard was significantly older than Heloise, about twenty years older.
Canon Fulbert, the uncle of Heloise eventually became aware of their relationship, and was completely against it. "Oh, how great was the uncle's grief when he learned the truth, and how bitter was the sorrow of the lovers when we were forced to part!" Due to the uncles disapproval of the couple they were separated, but something would come up to change this. Heloise then found out that she was with a child, and left the house of her uncle. She went to Abelard’s sisters house and stayed there until the child was born.
Abelard sought Canon Fulbert’s forgiveness and ultimately did receive blessings for them to get married. The couple married, and left their child with the sister of Abelard.
Heloise and Abelard are two prominent figures in love related medieval literature. The story of their love affair, as well as the unfortunate falling out of their relationship set them apart from all others at the time. The Letters of Abelard and Heloise tell a story of a truly historic romance. "God knows I never sought anything in you except yourself; I wanted simply you, nothing of yours." This is just one example of the true love depicted by these two special individuals. The central idea of The Letters of Abelard and Heloise is about the ins and outs of forbidden love in the middle ages, and also the consequences it entails. Peter Abelard rose in prominence due to his teaching abilities, and innovative thinking. Heloise was the well educated niece of Canon Fulbert.
Abelard set his sights on educating Heloise, and offered to be a private tutor to Heloise. Abelard then convinced the uncle of Heloise to let him live with them in order to better serve Heloise. The passion Abelard had to teach and the passion Heloise had to learn quickly turned into a passion for romance with one another. Lust grew and took over their relationship. Abelard was significantly older than Heloise, about twenty years older.
Canon Fulbert, the uncle of Heloise eventually became aware of their relationship, and was completely against it. "Oh, how great was the uncle's grief when he learned the truth, and how bitter was the sorrow of the lovers when we were forced to part!" Due to the uncles disapproval of the couple they were separated, but something would come up to change this. Heloise then found out that she was with a child, and left the house of her uncle. She went to Abelard’s sisters house and stayed there until the child was born.
Abelard sought Canon Fulbert’s forgiveness and ultimately did receive blessings for them to get married. The couple married, and left their child with the sister of Abelard.