Becca Dvorak
H211
11/3/14
W2: Analysis
Thesis:
 In Letters of Abelard and Heloise and Dhuoda’s Handbook for William, all
three authors are writing to a loved one to help them recover from failure,
though the intentions of each author, as revealed through their tone, differ, as
Dhuoda’s intentions seem almost selfless, while those of Abelard and Heloise
seem to have some potential personal gain involved.
Subargument 1:
 Dhuoda is writing to her son to overcome her failure of not being there for
him. Because of her desire for a relationship with her son, Dhuoda uses a
nurturing tone.
o “My son, my firstborn son – you will have other teachers to present
you with works of fuller and richer usefulness, but not anyone like me,
your mother, whose heart burns on your behalf.” (13)
 her teaching may be inferior in content, but will always be
superior because she is his mother
o “So I urge you again, most beloved son William, that first of all you
love God as written above. Then love, fear, and cherish your father.”
(23)
 “beloved” demonstrates the maternal love she has for a son
that she doesn’t even know
Subargument 2:
 Abelard and Heloise are lovers writing to each other after having had their
relationship undergo a significant failure. Because of their desire for each
other, they often use a passionate tone in their letters.
o “For your manhood was adorned by every grace of mind and body,
and among the women who envied me then, could there be one now
who does not feel compelled by my misfortune to sympathize with my
loss of such joys?” (53)
 she feels sexual and intimate passion towards him, and feels
deprived in his absence
o “For it is common knowledge, as you yourself have shown, that in
writing to superiors one puts their name first, and you must realize
that you became my superior from the day when you began to be my
lady on becoming the bride of my Lord…” (73)
 he feels passion for their marriage in that they are united in
Christ
Subargument 3:

Dhuoda is writing with the purpose of providing guidance for her son and
wants him to be successful in God’s eyes. To do this, Dhuoda also uses an
instructional tone.
o “And so I urge you… that you not be distracted by the mundane cares
of this earthly world from acquiring many volumes.” (13)
 “I urge you” is often used to stress the importance of her
instructions
o “Therefore I direct you that, with gentleness, justice, and holiness, you
perform your worldly service to him who, admonishing his faithful
ones to shine with patience, says, In your patience you shall possess
your souls.” (55)
 “I direct you” acts as a bridge between Dhuoda’s instructions
and the direction of the Bible, as much of her instruction comes
from Scripture.
Subargument 4:
 Abelard and Heloise bicker and have almost a battle of wits going on as to
how the other should behave or deal with a situation. They want to be
successful in each other’s eyes, but this is often attempted through seeking
success over the other, using an argumentative tone.
o “Remember, I implore you, what I have done, and how much you owe
me.” (54)
 she knows how to work him to get her point across
o “There is no wider distinction between true friends and false than the
fact that the former share adversity, the latter only prosperity.” (77)
 accuses her of not being a true friend to him