Our Hero

First off, let me say that I am having extreme deja vu as I write this. That's the second time today!

Chapter 3 explores the life of Abelard. I suppose it helps that he has written an autobiography. As proof of the popularity of these two lovers, Abelard's hometown of le Pallet has a road sign: "le Pallet, Cité d'Abélard." Coming from a prominent land-owning family, he denies his rights as the eldest son to warfare and a comfortable feudal aristocracy, to fight in philosophical debates instead. He would have inherited title, property, and income, but it is suspected that, unlike usual custom, his father offered him something special...the opportunity to choose his own future.

Thus Abelard arrives in Paris, a master of logic with prominent connections. He really had no friends. So full of himself, he began his time in Paris with the purpose of immediately taking over the headmastership of the local philosophical school. Even in the early stages of the relationship, Heloise sees Abelard as some sort of god-like figure. "Although it may be in the future, I already see the mountaintops bowing down before you." Despite his foothold in logic, he was also skilled at composing pop tunes and hymns, of which only the hymns have survived.

His Christian name is Petrus (Peter), but he chose for himself the stage name Abelard. No one is certain why he chose this or what exactly it means, but it's speculated that it may be a pun on the word "lard", indicating that he was quite corpulent. There is also some dispute on the proper spelling of his name. www.abaelard.de has a list of spellings that have been found in use. The list is in pink under the heading "Die Schreibweise." I'm digging this period in Parisian history. We have AbeLARD and Louis VI, aka Louis the Fat.

Cultural Backdrop:
Being able to read in the 12th Century meant Latin. Although French was spoken in the majority of France, there were no books in the language. Latin, however, was well-established throughout Europe. Music began incorporating multipart harmonies, a basis of western music today. The appropriateness of certain body movements were discussed in depth. Ladies began speaking out of turn and talking openly about love in public. And the clothing! Apparently "shoes with excessively pointed toes were a major issue throughout the Middle Ages." Eventually they were banned due to their seductive nature.

Quote of the day:
By doubting we come to inquiry, by inquiry we come to truth. - Abelard