Letter 6, Heloise to Abelard Summary and Analysis

In response to Abelard, Heloise maintains that she cannot make her heart obey him. To console herself and the other nuns, she asks Abelard two things: first, to tell her about how the order of nuns began and the authority due her profession. Second, she asks Abelard to proscribe for them a Rule of life similar to the Rule of St. Benedict, though a Rule that women will be able to follow.

However, Heloise maintains, burdens can be too extreme; they can be placed on those who cannot bear them. She then argues that St. Benedict leaves open that his rule can be modified if circumstances require, say for children, the old or the weak. The same burden, she argues, should not be laid on the weak as on the strong. Heloise then backs up...