Abelard

=Peter Abelard=

2. Life
Peter Abelard (1079-1142) was a French philosopher, considered one of the greatest thinkers of the 12th century. Among his works is "Sic et Non," a list of 158 philosophical and theological questions. His teachings were controversial, and he was repeatedly charged with heresy. Abelard is described by many as “the keenest thinker and boldest theologian of the 12th century”. Abelard was a independent young man, seeing that he did not choose his fathers path in life. His father’s path for him consisted of more of military type career. Instead, he chose the academic path, and went onto make many great academic accomplishments, including teaching at Notre Dame.

3. Peter Abelard and Heloise
Abelard and Heloise are one of the most celebrated couples of all time, known for their love affair... and for the tragedy that separated them.

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Abelard was eighteen years older than Heloise. Although Abelard was much older than Heloise, he has a plan to get her to notice him. He knew her through Canon Fulbert, Heloise’s uncle. With some persuading, Abelard convinced Fulbert to let him teach Heloise on certain occasions. Soon after, he also began living in same house as Fulbert and Heloise as an exchange for his teachings. From here is where the affair started. They knew they had to keep this secret because Abelard’s career could be ruined and Fulbert would punish Heloise.======

After some time, Fulbert got word of Heloise’s and Abelard’s relationship. As predicted, the two were separated. Abelard wrote in one of his letters to Heloise about the discovery her uncle had made. "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!" However, the letters were not the only thing keeping the two in touch. They met time and time again in secret. Soon after the separation, Heloise discovers that she is pregnant. Afraid of her uncle’s vengeance, she goes to live with Abelard’s sister in Brittany. Fulbert is enraged when he gets word that she has escaped. She lives with Abelard’s sister until her uncle arrives back to his home and until the baby is born. They choose to name the baby Astrolabe. When Fulbert arrives home, Abelard goes to give his apology to him. After the apology, he quickly asks for the permission to make Heloise his wife. Fulbert surprisingly approves his request with some and Abelard goes on to ask Heloise to marry him. Shockingly, Heloise turns Abelard down and says she has two reasons for doing so. She writes, “the danger thereof, and the disgrace which it would bring upon me.”

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Heloise finally agreed to become Abelard’s wife with some of her uncle’s input. However, she made Abelard promise they would be married in secret and he would speak of their marriage to no one. Heloise then left the baby with Abelard’s sister and to disguise the marriage went back to live with Fulbert. Shortly after the two are wed, they discover Fulbert’s real plan was to destroy them and keep Heloise for himself. He announces the secret marriage of Heloise and Abelard. In fear of her uncle and at the command of Abelard, Heloise runs away to a Convent in Argenteuil. Abelard also convinces her to take the vows of a nun. Abelard planned on soon following Heloise, but was attacked while sleeping. After his attack he finds it too humiliating to continue teaching at Notre Dame. “How could I ever again hold up my head among men, when every finger should be pointed at me in scorn, every tongue speak my blistering shame, and when I should be a monstrous spectacle to all eyes?” Abelard then decides to enter a monastery, saying he needs a life devoted to God and this was the only alternative for his pride. He then enters the abbey of St. Denis. Heloise is then forced to give up her baby and say goodbye to Abelard who would no longer be her husband. This letter is from Abelard while the two are separated. “Often the hearts of men and women are stirred, as likewise they are soothed in their sorrows more by example than by words. And therefore... am I now minded to write of the sufferings which have sprung out of my misfortunes..."(Abelard) Heloise lived 20 years after Abelard and became well known as the Paraclete's competent and learned abbess. She was buried beside Abelard. Abelard and Heloise were praised long after their death for their many accomplishments. To this day they are still looked up to for their extensive knowledge and contribution to literature.======

=Sources=

//Peter Abelard tutoring Heloise//