Contrast The Theories Of Romantic Love And Heloise
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What constitutes as romantic love has been a topic of discussion for centuries. While there are multiple views on what romantic love includes, there is no question that it is one of the most prevalent, yet controversial, matters in society. In this paper, I will compare the theories on romantic love from the views of Heloise and Beauvoir in contrast with my own opinions. “The Love Letters of Abelard and Heloise” presents a passion filled journey of an affair between a student, Heloise, and her much older philosophical teacher, Abelard. The letters explore the societal and religious boundaries placed on relationships, both sexually and romantically, in the 12th century. Desire, idealization and a need for each other present as strong roles throughout the letters and throughout Heloise and Abelard’s relationship. The question most often stated regarding romantic love in contrast with the letters focuses on passion and helps define the image of romantic love being presented within this reading. So is passion really enough to classify a relationship as romantic love? Heloise and Abelard have a forbidden relationship, brought upon by the sexual desire for each other but with this desire came life-altering consequences. It seems as though both Heloise and Abelard consider romantic love as being completely infatuated…show more content… Sex can mean nothing except for the desire of pleasure, but when it comes to romantic love, it always means something more than that. This is where I have to disagree with Heloise’s view of romantic love in regards to passion and uncontrollable desire. Although I do believe sexual attraction and desire is a large part of romantic love, I do not believe a basis of love can be built on that. Romantic love, in my opinion, must firstly, be a logical and personal choice to love and then a desire for someone must come