me of Cleves knowsthis and does not follow her emotions and what her sensestell her. Rationalization helps her to uphold her honor andvirtue even when temptation is at its greatest. The notionof rationalization leads us to believe that Mme of Cleves isvery honorable. The Princesse De Cleves places the highest value onhonor in a situation where many did not seem to possess it. Everyone eventually gives into their emotions except for thePrincesse herself. She doesn’t allow her emotions tocontrol her actions even when the chance to be with her truelove presents itself. Her honor stems from her ability torationalize a situation and act without emotional conflict. This idea of rationalization before action takes Descartesphilosophy and applies it to the real world. Yet, there is something to be said about emotion in thePrincesse De Cleves. Lafayette views emotion as a humanweakness that can and should be overcome. As is seen in Mmeof Cleves, her emotions exist, they just do not affect her. She refuses to allow them to do so. Her love for herhusband, even though she truly loves Nemours, is proof ofthis. Madame de Lafayette takes Descartes rationalphilosophy one step further and applies it to the socialsphere. Madame de Lafayette makes rationality more humanthan Descartes could in his Meditations. Descartes would have liked the direction that Madame deLafayette took his idea of “R”ationality and converted itinto more feasable “r”ational action. His idea of thinkingthings through before action is evidenced by Madame deCleves honor. Even though this rationality is only used forsocial standing, it cannot be denied. It led to a lonely,tortured, life for Mme de Cleves, but it served its purposefor her. Her honor is seen in as a model to be followed,and this honor emmanates from conscious, rational thought. It could not have been obtained through rash emotion-filleddecisions. This is th...
