Letter 5, Abelard to Heloise Summary and Analysis

Abelard decides to answer Heloise's accusations one by one to "enlighten" and encourage her. He writes her as a superior only because she became his superior when she became his wife. It was such a privilege that the honorific is what she deserves. Abelard then gives an example of such a case with an Ethiopian woman.

Abelard only filled Heloise with distress because she asked him to share his sorrow in her first letter. He shared his sorrow because he wants to share in suffering with her out of love. And he asks her to cease from such complaints in the future. Abelard does agree that she rejects praise because this shows she is only more praiseworthy and so he praises her again.

Abelard is surprised that Heloise is still bitter about entering the convent...