affair. Because they enjoyed each other both sexually and intellectually, just as how its perceived in todays world. Though Heloises attitude towards marriage and love was quite different from the other women of the twelfth century. She resisted the idea of marriage because she thought it was more of an economical and political idea than real love and that she would rather be called a whore or a mistress instead of a wife. (Radice 74). This tells us about her individuality and also that she didnt consider marriage part of love unlike most of the women of her time. Love is portrayed in many forms in this book. Like for example love of learning. The first thing Abelard does in his writing of Historia Calamitatum is portray himself as an individual just like Heloise. He denounced the popular and glorious life of a soldier and in order to study words and philosophy. I believe in writing this he shows his clever and different way of thinking by referring to dialectic. I chose the weapons of dialectic to all the other teachings of philosophy and armed with these, I chose the conflict of disputation instead of trophies of war. (Radice 58).In the beginning Abelards and Heloises relationship was based heavily on passionate love. So later after their entry into religion, Heloise accused Abelard of lust rather than love for her, which I believe, is not true. It was desire, not affection which bound you to me, the flame of lust rather than love. This is not merely my opinion, beloved, it is everyones. (Radice 116). I wouldnt agree with Heloise here. Abelard was mostly attracted to her because of her knowledge and because of her gift of writing letters. Also he worried about her as much as he was concerned about himself and his career. He agreed to marry Heloise even though it would put his career and reputation in danger. Also at one time he says all our laments were for one anothers troubles and our distress for each other, not f...
