Harshit

Medieval Literature(120351101)

31st March 2022

Q. Principal themes of "Historia Calamitarum" in The Letters of Abelard and Heloise

Historia Calamitarum or The history of my Calamities, written in 1132, is an

autobiographical narrative by the French theologian and logician Peter Abelard, exploring

religion, society, passion, and tribulations he faced as a dialectician in an orthodox

Christian society filled with power struggles and rivalries. It records his journey as a

dialectician learning and preaching around Europe, his sexual tryst with Helios, his

castration, and finding salvation in religion. Abelard uses examples of Christian saints,

comparing his life with theirs, and even parallels his suffering with Jesus Christ's,

portraying himself as a saint being persecuted by corrupt clergy and half-witted people.

Abelard's controversial life as a dialectician and later in theological studies unraveled the

society in which innovation in religion was considered blasphemous. Hence, Abelard

became a prime target for orthodoxy. His great regard for pagan Greek philosophers and his

genius made him suffer due to factionalism in educational spheres. Known as the Socrates

of the west, his fame and unique methodology of interpretation only brought him

misfortune and anger from his teachers. His criticism of great figures like William of

Champeaux or Anselum on their flawed methodologies tells us of his unyielding nature as a

scholar.
In Historia Calamitarum, Abelard views his tribulations as a consequence of his lust and

pride. He also sees them as a step toward his spiritual journey. He attributes his genius and

skill in deciphering theological and secular texts to God's grace to gain legitimacy and

evade the wrath of his rivals and orthodoxy. The main aim of the text is to evoke pity for

Abelard and protect him from public defamation. The repeated claim of his greatest pain

being the damage to his image confirms it.

In Historia Calamitarum, Abelard expands on his unorthodox approach toward Divine

Unity and the Trinity of Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He established a church for

the holy spirit, against the traditions but on sound logic, which brought him more criticism.

Unlike his peers and teachers, he had a curious and daring character. He refused the

authority of written text that had no logic and challenged the orthodox universalists on their

flawed form of logic.

Abelard views self-suffering as a necessity for spiritual upliftment and dedication to God.

His spirituality is heavily influenced by adversities he experienced, like his castration,

public shaming, separation from Helios, and accusations of blasphemy. His faith in God is

more progressive, far removed from the blind faith of his peers, and promotes an ascetic

way of life. Although his belief in God seems unflinching, his investigation of theology is

modern and gives greater legitimacy to the Christian faith. His castration completely

separates him from carnal desires and sets him on the path of spirituality.

Historia Calamitrum narrates the trysts between Abelard and Helios and their intellectual

view of marriage. They both consider marriage as a hindrance in their romance which is
sacrilege in such a conservative Christian society. We see how Abelard and Helios's

relationship metamorphoses from personal love to their common love for God and their

friendship hereafter.

Abelard considers Helios the symbol of his lust. Hence he gives unsympathetic treatment to

helios and distances from her, consoling her to become the bride of Christ. His negation of

Helios can also be due to his castration and so his incapacity to stay her husband. The

circumstances in which Abelard and Helios enter monastic lives are unique as both are

compelled to take shelter in spirituality rather than out of free will. Helios even confesses

her desire for Abelard's love and his responsibility towards her but only gets consolation.

Abelard's no concern for their son Astralabe in the letters again proves his view towards

tryst with Helios as a mistake and only wishes to contact her as an Abbess. But helios still

remembering Abelard when he is castrated and away from her shows that both shared

different love for each other, and helios stayed on as a nun for Abelard's sake.

Throughout Abelard's secular and theological journey, he remains proud and aware of his

talents which is seen when he compares himself to Christ and his journey in the wilderness

to establish the Paraclete at Troyes with the journey of followers of Elisha or his castration

with Origen. Quoting Saint Jerome, he finds peace with his trials by remembering that a

Christian can never be free of persecution.

Abelard remained controversial in society and Christian orthodoxy for his unique way

toward Christianity and his skills in dialecticism. His deep understanding of Christianity

and his interpretation of minute details of written texts shows his passion for theology and
his dedication to God. His complex approach towards love and physicality is also

influenced by his religiosity and his dedication to God.

Bibliography-

Abelard, Peter, 1079-1142. The Letters of Abelard and Heloise. London, England ; New

York, N.Y., USA :Penguin Books, 2003.