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Citation Information
How to Cite
Manser, Martin H. "Abelard and Héloïse." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 17 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOA00009>.
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Abelard and Héloïse

Pronunciation pronunciation key
abălahrd, elōeez

Definition 
Archetype of a pair of tragic lovers. Peter Abelard (1079–1142) was a gifted scholar who incurred the wrath of the church authorities after he fell in love with the beautiful Héloïse (1101–64), niece of Canon Fulbert of Notre Dame, while acting as her tutor. After marrying in secret and having a son together, the pair were persecuted by the girl's father (who had Abelard castrated) and forcibly parted: Abelard became a monk and Héloïse a nun. Their remains were laid to rest together after death. Her bitter complaints about their treatment suggested that Abelard and Héloïse had got off lightly by comparison.

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