Abelard And Heloise Analysis

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In The Letters of Abelard and Heloise, Abelard writes, “The hand of the Lord had touched me for the express purpose of freeing me from the temptations of the flesh and the distractions of the world so that I could devote myself to learning, and thereby prove myself a true philosopher not of the world but of God” (Radice 19). Unable to continue the sexual relationship they once had, Abelard seeks a spiritual relationship with Heloise now that they are under monastic rule. During the correspondence of letters, Abelard and Heloise’s relationship with each other transforms from earthly love to spiritual love due to Abelard’s religious pursuit when he took a monastic vow. Abelard instigates a change in their relationship by addressing Heloise differently …show more content…
Since they are now members of a monastery and convent, it is unacceptable to continue the carnal relationship they had before. Staying true to his monastic vows, Abelard reshapes the relationship by avoiding affectionate language in his response to a letter from Heloise proclaiming her intense feelings for him. Heloise begins the exchange of letters which provokes Abelard to respond in an unaffectionate way. In Heloise’s first letter to Abelard, she explains her deep feelings of love for Abelard and all he took away from her. She proclaims, “my love rose to such heights of madness that it robbed itself of what it most desired beyond hope of recovery…I changed my clothing along with my mind, in order to prove you the sole possessor of my body and my will alike” (Radice 51). Heloise’s affection for Abelard is very prevalent in her statement as she claims he owns her and everything she did was to reflect that. Without contact for such a long period of time after committing to a religious life, Heloise questions Abelard, “Why, after our entry into religion, which was your decision along, have I been so neglected and forgotten by you that I have neither a word from you when you are here to give me strength nor the consolation of a letter?” (Radice 53). Heloise believes she deserves contact with Abelard after she agreed to everything he pushed her into in the past such as marriage and the monastic life. Abelard’s response displays little affection for Heloise when he avoids her proclamation of love, staying true to his monastic vow. Rather, Abelard focuses on her accusation of not contacting her stating, “I have always had such confidence that I did not think any was needed” (Radice 56). Abelard responded as if Heloise was requesting spiritual guidance instead of giving her
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