The love letters of Abelard and Héloïse made this couple the real Romeo and Juliet. However, these letters convey much more than the passion a man felt for a particular woman. The letters of Abelard and Héloïse illustrate the power of the Christian Church and how it influenced societal ideals in all respects, most notably those regarding gender and the role of women. The letters were written in the 12th century, a period when religion and ethical views went hand in hand. The estate system of feudal society ensured that the clergy were revered and their ideals were considered true. This meant that the Bible was taken literally and used in everyday life. The story of these two lovers reveals a deeper look at the controversial topics of sex in and out of marriage, the idea of ​​virginity, and the subordinate role of women in society. The idea of ​​sex in medieval times would have made any "good" person shudder with disdain. Religion played a major role in the way of thinking at that time. People were taught to live piously, because it , along with obedience to the Church, would bring a sinful soul to the eternal afterlife. Therefore, sex was also taught to be an immoral activity that was only acceptable in marriage for the purposes of procreation. , but even in marriage there were rules regarding sex Although the Church believed that God sanctified sexual relations in marriage, there were certain limits, such as the days on which it could take place. , Abelard confesses his guilt for having made love with his own wife, because they did so on unacceptable dates: "you know to what depth of shame my unbridled lust had delivered our bodies, until no respect for decency or God is harsh... middle of paper ...... this is serious for me – born as I was to be the cause of such a crime! Is it the common fate of women to bring about the total ruin of great men? Hence the warning about women in proverbs?...the one who had been created by the lord as a companion has become the instrument of his total downfall. Héloïse embodies societal views of the role of women by embracing preconceived expectations. The Letters of Abelard and Héloïse not only provides a heartbreaking story between two star-crossed lovers, but also gives profound insight into how Christianity influenced society's views. The idea of ​​sex was not one of acceptance, but one of condemnation and tolerance, even within a marriage. Virginity was admired, but for the wrong reasons, such as society's approval rather than God's. Finally, the role of the woman was not very positive, she was considered inferior, whose role was to serve her husband..