Bonds Quote by Héloïse
![“[I]f the name of wife appears more sacred and more valid, sweeter to me is ever the word friend, or, if thou be not ashamed, concubine ... And thou thyself wert not wholly unmindful of that ... [as in the narrative of thy misfortunes ] thou hast not disdained to set forth sundry reasons by which I…” quote by Héloïse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/651/heloise-27050_bonds_i-f-the-name-of-wife-appears-more-sacred_2298825.jpg)
““[I]f the name of wife appears more sacred and more valid, sweeter to me is ever the word friend, or, if thou be not ashamed, concubine ... And thou thyself wert not wholly unmindful of that ... [as in the narrative of thy misfortunes ] thou hast not disdained to set forth sundry reasons by which I tried to dissuade thee from our marriage, from an ill-starred bed; but wert silent as to many, in which I preferred love to wedlock, freedom to a bond. I call God to witness, if Augustus, ruling over the whole world, were to deem me worthy of the honour of marriage, and to confirm the whole world to me, to be ruled by me forever, dearer to me and of greater dignity would it seem to be called thy concubine than his empress.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Letters of Héloïse and Abelard, c. 1120
She contrasts the sanctity of marriage with the freedom of a concubine, questioning societal norms.
In simple terms: She questions marriage vs. concubine roles.
Key Takeaway
Consider personal values over societal expectations.
Themes
love
marriage
freedom
societal norms
Mood
thoughtful
historical
philosophical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- marriage discussions
- gender studies
- historical analysis
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
feminist critique
historical gender roles
personal autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern relationships balance love and freedom?
- What defines a dignified partnership?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may differ from modern views.
![“[I]t is not by being richer or more powerful that a man becomes better; one is a matter of fortune, the other of virtue. Nor should she deem herself other than venal who weds a rich man rather than a poor, and desires more things in her husband than himself. Assuredly, whomsoever this…” quote by Héloïse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/43c/heloise-27050_affection_i-t-is-not-by-being-richer-or-more-power_726871.jpg)
