The Influence Of Abelard s And Heloise s Views On...

Three key figures in twelfth century Europe had a considerable impact on marriage, religion, and sexuality. The first two figures were classic romantics who wrote love letters to each other and made love in the kitchens of convents. These two influential figures are Heloise and Abelard. This teacher and student love affair knew no bounds and it eventually led to a dismal chain of events, but led to various revelations. The third figure is a religious visionary who took a secret vow of chastity in her young age. This prominent nun is Christina of Markyate, who endures persecution by her family and was constantly on the run in order to keep her sacred vow to God. These three figures and their stories are intricately tied together and they bring to light how the Church perceived such actions that concerned marriage, religion, and sexuality. The emergence of Abelard’s and Heloise’s romantically intense relationship and eventual marriage begins with Abelard moving to Paris to pursue his teaching career. His teaching career in the art of philosophy proves to be fruitful in Paris and Abelard begins to observe a young girl named Heloise, because of her intellect. Abelard states, â€Å"A gift for letters is so rare in women that it added greatly to her charm and had made her renowned throughout the realm.† A Canon by the name of Fulbert, not realizing Abelard’s deep desire, request that Abelard teach his niece, Heloise, immediately. The teacher and student, Abelard and Heloise, soon