According to the stories of Boccaccio, Margery Kempe and Abelard and Héloïse, one can easily assume that religion, culture and social life in Europe The medieval period brought restrictions on the activities of women. Although some women who lived in medieval Europe showed instances of living with "substantial free will", this was not common or easy to achieve without various benefits. As a result, yes, women could overcome the restrictive expectations placed on them. Those women who succeeded, however, were obliged to use their beauty, their wealth or their sex. Also considering the sign of the times, women were considered pure figures of sex and reproduction. That being said, women could overcome societal restrictions, but they did so in a modern, now unethical way. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay When considering Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron, he immediately declares in his Foreword his passionate admiration for beautiful women. Boccaccio thinks he is a distraction from the dark lives women lead. “they spend most of their time within the narrow confines of their room” (Boccaccio, p. 4). As naturally neutral as it may seem, Boccaccio ends his Foreword by expressing the almost angelic power he holds over women sexually. “And if, God willing, morale rises, may the ladies give thanks to Love: by freeing me from its bonds, it has allowed me to attend to their pleasure. » Boccaccio says that women will get what they want by being beautiful. He is also reluctant to reveal the real names of the Decameron's women because he does not want to embarrass them by revealing a sexual history. Another great example of beauty and sex leading a woman to escape the restrictions placed on her comes from the fourth story. the fifth day of the Decameron, recounted by Philostratus. Ricciardo, an eligible young bachelor, finds Caterina extremely beautiful and endearing. The two are vulnerable with each other as they confess the love they share. “Catherine, I beg you, do not make me die of love” “God grant that you do not make me die of love” (Boccaccio, p. 341). The two men decided to sleep on the balcony and fornicated several times. After being caught sleeping and naked by their parents, marriage was forced on them. Luckily for Caterina, that meant having a rich young man from a good family as her husband and, essentially, more power than she would have had before sleeping with Ricciardo. When reading The Book of Margery Kempe, although it is never made clear, readers may assume that Kempe was wealthy or had connections to wealth. Kempe's ability to undertake her activities suggests that she has access to additional assistance or resources. Although her businesses did not last long, she became more devoted to religion as a result of her business ventures. She also made extensive trips throughout Europe, which was particularly expensive at the time and generally described as a luxury for the wealthy. Finally, she brought her husband into an agreement to remain single even though they had been married for some time and had children. Kempe has an ironic conversation with Jesus Christ himself. “For it is fitting for a wife to be simple with her husband.” Not to mention Kempe previously wanted a celibate marriage with her husband, after reproducing several times of course, and Jesus is basically motivating her to havesexual relations with her husband. However, it can be assumed that Kempe's husband only agreed because the children were already in the picture. He could also have had an affair simultaneously. Kempe's husband might also be convinced due to Margery's alleged wealth. Whether the full revelations of their celibate relationship come to light or not, Kempe managed to navigate through the restrictions placed on her as a woman in medieval Europe. When we consider the Letters of Abelard and Heloise, the couple is idolized and remembered for their romance. Both intellectual and passionate about learning, it seems like a perfect and memorable combination. Abelard is aware of Héloïse's intelligence but he is mainly interested in her beauty. “I considered all the usual attractions for a lover and decided that she was the one to bring into my bed, convinced that I would have easy success;” (Clanchy, p. 10). Of course, Abelard had the common trait among men: recognizing gender as soon as they saw a woman. The words spoken by Abelard in his letters show the restrictions that will have to be overcome by Héloïse. For example, the place of women in society is discussed throughout the readings. Héloïse constantly reminded herself how to present herself and act according to social norms. Ironically, Héloïse faced the social pressure of what a woman was supposed to be while Abelard himself did not truly reflect or was ever portrayed with a masculine figure or traits. Even though masculinity was not imposed on him, he still maintained a proper place in society. As Héloïse writes to Abelard, she says openly that she has no intention of marrying him for money. This can be assumed to be true, given that her uncle, who likely provided her with her education, shared some of his wealth with her. This statement can also be believed to be true as she has overcome many obstacles to social normalcy. Héloïse is described as an independent woman at the time. Héloïse was successful in her studies and expresses her passion for learning and her interest in those who admire education. She also managed to maintain a relationship with God and eventually join him as a nun. In doing so, she gained acceptance and support for her relationship with God. Although Héloïse had access to wealth through her uncle, she still overcame social normality because she did not come from a higher class. She became known for her education and for her leadership among her fellow nuns. Héloïse is lucky to have her uncle because he made it easier to overcome the restrictions placed on medieval women. Not only did she have access to his wealth, but he allowed her to continue her education. Quite often, women of Héloïse's class were usually arranged for work, married, or practiced religion on a deeper level once they entered womanhood. Héloïse falls into the restrictions imposed on women in matters of sexuality. Her sexuality shows her weak side and how she is subject to the restrictions of medieval women. Not to mention that Héloïse is beautiful, so it can be assumed that her sexual nature has been tested more times than others due to her attractive nature to men. “that I may be reduced to these desires, that I may grow in many ways; so that this member may be justly punished for his wrongdoing in us.” Héloïse goes on to describe the meaning of “this member” as “the parts of shame.” It becomes clear that Héloïse is having difficulty remaining pure on God's terms. With her natural beauty and intelligence, we can assume that she was seduced by several,, 2001.