Alexander Pope

A painting and a few words...

‘Abelard and Heloise surprised by Master Fulbert’ - a painting by Jean Vignaud

“A little learning is a dangerous thing.

Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring;

There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,

and drinking largely sobers us again.”

Alexander Pope - from his ‘An Essay on Criticism’

I'm not long back from a wonderful few days in Paris with my wife Sarah, visiting the 150th Anniversary Exhibition of the first Impressionist Exhibition. (more on that trip in next week's Meander). Regular readers will know that Sarah and I are separated but, and this may seem strange to some, we get on well together and enjoy each other’s company. Ours is a love at long distance, and as F Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “There are all kinds of love in this world but never the same love twice”. At least Sarah and I don’t suffer the tragic separation you will discover if you continue to read this piece.

So, in this Meander, I'm cheating a bit. I originally posted what follows as a Note on Substack on May 21st. However, one of my kind subscribers felt it should have a more permanent ranking rather than leave it to subside into the more transient world of Notes. And as you read, you will discover a link to Paris...

Alexander Pope, one of the most distinguished poets of the 18th century and rightly celebrated for his wit, mastery of the heroic couplet - pairs of rhymed iambic pentameter lines - and incisive satirical voice was born on this day in 1688.

His works, including 'The Rape of the Lock,' 'The Dunciad,' and the translation of Homer's 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey,' have cemented his place in the annals of English literature and offer a critical reflection on the society and politics of his time, blending classical influences with his unique stylistic flair.

Born in London to a Roman Catholic family during a time of religious intolerance, Pope faced significant social and educational barriers, with Catholics barred from attending public schools and universities, which led Pope to pursue a largely self-directed education. His physical ailments, including tuberculosis of the spine, further complicated his early years, leaving him with a severe hunchback and stunted growth.

None of this deterred Pope, and works such as 'An Essay on Criticism', in which he offers astute observations on the art of poetry and criticism, exemplify his technical precision and rhythmic elegance. The famous lines, "To err is human, to forgive, divine," and "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread," have entered the common lexicon, illustrating his ability to distil complex ideas into memorable aphorisms.

'The Rape of the Lock' is perhaps Pope's most famous work, a mock-epic that satirises the trivialities of high society through the lens of a seemingly minor incident—the cutting of a lock of hair. The poem's playful yet critical tone captures the superficiality and vanity of the aristocracy, using classical references and heroic couplets to elevate a petty dispute to the level of epic importance. This work not only entertains but also critiques the social norms and gender dynamics of Pope's time.

Pope's satirical prowess reached its zenith in 'The Dunciad', a scathing critique of the perceived decline in literary standards and the rise of mediocrity. The poem targets various literary figures and publishers Pope viewed as contributing to cultural decay. His fierce attacks on his contemporaries, often cloaked in biting wit, reveal his deep commitment to preserving literary excellence. 'The Dunciad' is both a personal vendetta and a broader commentary on the commercialisation of literature.

Pope's involvement in political and literary controversies extended beyond his poetry. He engaged in many feuds that often spilt over into his works, infusing them with a personal intensity that captivated and polarised his audience.

However, of all Pope's works, the one I find most affecting is his poem 'Eloisa to Abelard'. It is a dramatic and emotional work that captures the intense feelings of the famous Parisian lovers, Héloïse and Abelard. 

The story of Héloïse and Abelard is one of the most poignant and compelling love stories of the medieval period, blending passion, intellect, and tragedy. Their tale has transcended centuries, capturing Pope's imagination and that of many other writers, scholars, and romantics. At its core, the story of Héloïse and Abelard is a narrative about the conflict between love and duty and the pursuit of knowledge.

Peter Abelard was a prominent philosopher and theologian in 12th-century Paris. His intellectual prowess and controversial ideas earned him both admiration and hostility. Héloïse d'Argenteuil was an exceptionally well-educated woman known for her intelligence and literary skill. She was the niece of Fulbert, a canon of Notre Dame Cathedral. Abelard, seeking intellectual companionship and a means to further his career, became Héloïse's tutor. Their relationship quickly blossomed into a passionate and clandestine love affair.

Matching the intensity of Abelard and Héloïse's love affair was the severity of its consequences. Héloïse became pregnant, and Abelard arranged for her to stay with his family in Brittany, where she gave birth to their son, Astrolabe. Hoping to appease Fulbert and legitimise their relationship, Abelard and Héloïse secretly married. However, Héloïse then denied the marriage to protect Abelard, fearing the marriage would hinder his career.

Fulbert's outrage at the perceived dishonour led to a brutal act of vengeance: Men hired by Fulbert attacked and castrated Abelard. This traumatic event ended Abelard's career as a public intellectual and forever altered the lives of both lovers. Abelard became a monk, and Héloïse, under Abelard's instruction, reluctantly entered a convent.

Separated by circumstances, Héloïse and Abelard began a correspondence that has become legendary for its depth of emotion and intellectual rigour. These letters reveal the complexities of their relationship and provide insight into their inner lives and thoughts. Héloïse's letters are particularly notable for their candid expression of love and her struggle to reconcile her passion with her religious vows. They articulate her unwavering love and the pain of their separation. She questions the nature of love, duty, and personal sacrifice and often challenges Abelard's philosophical and theological positions. Abelard's responses, while more reserved, reflect his deep affection for Héloïse and his attempts to guide her towards spiritual peace. Together, their letters form a dialogue that is as much about their relationship as it is about broader human concerns.

Translations into many languages of their letters, first published in the 17th century, ensure their place in the Western literary canon. The themes of their correspondence—love, suffering, faith, and intellect—resonate across time, offering readers a profound exploration of the human condition. Héloïse's intellectual prowess and her role in the correspondence challenge the traditional notions of women's capabilities and their place in scholarly discourse. Her voice emerges as a powerful testament to the potential for female intellectual and emotional expression, even within the confines of a patriarchal society.

Published in 1717, Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard' is a poignant monologue delivered by Héloïse, expressing her internal conflict between passionate love and religious duty. The poem reflects Pope's mastery of the heroic couplet and his ability to convey deep emotional turmoil through precise and elegant verse. It delves into themes of love, guilt, duty, and the pain of separation. Within the poem, Héloïse's enduring love for Abelard and their forced separation torments her despite her religious vows. 

The poem opens with Héloïse in her convent, reflecting on her past love and the tragic circumstances that led to their separation. She expresses a profound longing and a struggle to reconcile her passionate feelings with her religious obligations.

Héloïse's turmoil is clear as she grapples with her memories of Abelard and the intensity of her emotions, which conflict with her current life of piety and devotion. This inner conflict between the sacred and the profane is the poem's central theme, highlighting the universal struggle between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations.

Pope's use of the heroic couplet lends the poem a rhythmic and formal elegance that contrasts with the raw emotion of Héloïse's monologue. This contrast enhances the poem's emotional impact, as the controlled structure of the verse reflects Héloïse's attempt to contain her overwhelming feelings within the disciplined confines of her religious life. Pope's sympathetic and nuanced depiction of Héloïse elevates her from a historical figure to a timeless symbol of passionate love and intellectual depth.

The poem is rich in rhetorical devices, including apostrophe, metaphor, and antithesis, which Pope employs to heighten the emotional intensity and illustrate Héloïse's inner conflict. For instance, the use of antithesis is particularly striking in the lines that juxtapose her past passion with her present piety:

"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, and each wish resign'd;

Labour and rest, that equal periods keep;

'Obedient slumbers that can wake and weep;'

Desires compos'd, affections ever ev'n,

Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to Heav'n…"

Some may recognise the heartfelt third line above as the title of the film starring Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey (in one of his best roles, in my opinion). The film is a masterful portrayal of the theme, 'Wouldn't life be simpler without the memories of lost love?' This theme, as explored in Pope's poem, touches a chord with our deepest emotions and reflections. 

As in the film, Pope's poem continues to captivate audiences with its portrayal of the timeless conflict between desire and duty, the enduring power of memory, and the universal themes of love and loss. Despite the passage of time, these themes still strike a chord with people today.

As a footnote, the graves of Héloïse and Abelard, who are said to be reinterred together at the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, stand as a pilgrimage site for those who look to pay homage to their memory. It's a testament to the enduring cultural impact of their story. And finally, Abelard's sister, Dionysia, raised their son.