How happy is the
Blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting,
By the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the
Spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, each
Wish resign'd.
- "Eloise and Abelard", Alexander Pope
Full poem here
"eloise to abelard"
Posted by Roger A. Tetrahart at 10:29
13 September 2005
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1 comments:
Ah yes, let me explain the significance of this poem a little.
The actual pair were Heloise and Abelard. Heloise was entering a nun covenant, while Abelard had ties to the church committee. But they fell in love and had an implicit affair. The public found it improper, and punished Abelard by castrating him.
Soon after, Heloise entered the covenant, and Abelard became a monk (why not? might as well!). But Abelard still loved her deeply, and kept their relations through writing letters.
Abelard can probably be said as one of the founder of romantic love, for he remained true, enduring through physical and mental obstacles. This particular poem is written about their love.
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