Joan of Arc and Heloise: Feminist Figures in The Middle Ages

Throughout the Middle Ages, societal norms relegated women to subordinate roles, heavily dominated by male authority. This patriarchal structure rendered women's lives challenging and inequitable, as they were conditioned to be obedient and subservient. Their primary responsibilities revolved around being wives, housekeepers, and mothers. Kay Eastwood emphasizes that “the kind of life medieval girls and women led depended on where they lived, how wealthy their families were and if they were unmarried/married or if their husbands had died.” Many young married women became mothers by the age of fifteen, managing households and sometimes even assisting in their husbands' businesses. Despite these contributions, women had limited opportunities compared to men, particularly in terms of employment and leadership roles within their communities. However, some women managed to defy these restrictive gender norms, with Joan of Arc and Heloise standing out as prominent figures. Both women challenged the stereotype of medieval women as merely oppressed and submissive, demonstrating that they could wield power and influence in their societies.

Joan of Arc: A Revolutionary Figure

At the age of nineteen, Joan of Arc transcended societal boundaries to save her country from imminent ruin, earning her a place as one of the “most famous figures in medieval history.” Born in 1412 to a prosperous peasant family, Joan grew up amid the political turmoil of a divided France, struggling against English forces during the Hundred Years War. While peasant women typically lacked access to education, their daily lives revolved around supporting their husbands with household chores, tending to provisions, and cooking meals. Joan’s early responsibilities included guarding sheep and helping her father plow the fields. This harsh reality illustrates the difficult lives faced by women of her class, contrasting with those of higher social standing who experienced comparatively easier existences.

Maryanne Kowaleski notes that “Medieval society, with its war, territorial struggles, and violence, seems particularly hostile to the exercise of female initiative and power.” Women were deemed intellectually and emotionally inferior, incapable of holding authority. They were denied the right to vote, run for public office, or participate fully in power structures such as the church, military, or guilds. The prevailing cultural attitudes of the time severely restricted women's access to education and public power.

Despite these challenges, Joan's rise to power is nothing short of remarkable. Claiming to hear divine voices, she believed she was chosen to lead France to victory. Her first encounter with these voices occurred in her father's garden, where she expressed her initial fear. Anne Barstow recounts that Joan later identified the voices as Saints Catherine and Margaret, along with the archangel Michael. These apparitions encouraged her to rescue France from English domination and place the Dauphin on the throne. Helen Castor highlights that “Against all the odds, she reaches the dauphin Charles, the disinherited heir to the French throne, and convinces him that God has made it her mission to drive the English from his kingdom.” Dressed in armor and leading an army, she achieved significant victories, ultimately becoming a symbol of resistance.

Tragically, Joan was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English, leading to her trial and execution for heresy. Prudence Allen notes that Joan, an illiterate and uneducated girl during her trial, faced a male-dominated legal system that sought to confuse her. Despite being subjected to aggressive questioning, she exhibited remarkable reasoning skills and steadfast principles. This imbalance of power illustrates the extreme gender disparities of the time. Joan's heroism and influence serve as a testament to women's potential for power, making her a symbol of feminism and a national icon for France.

Heloise: The Intellectual Force

Another remarkable figure from the Middle Ages is Heloise, a scholar and nun renowned for her love affair with Peter Abelard, a prominent philosopher and theologian. Unlike Joan, Heloise came from a family of higher social standing, being the niece of a secular canon at Notre Dame. Her uncle, Fulbert, recognized her potential and sought to provide her with the best education available. As a result, Heloise became one of the few women of her time to acquire a classical education, which allowed her to engage in intellectual discourse.

Heloise's writings offer valuable insight into the thoughts of women during an era when they were largely excluded from intellectual and literary pursuits. Susan Dreyer highlights that “Heloise is a model of the French public female intellectual, the first and one of a very few such figures before modern times.” Her education and intelligence empowered her to exercise authority within her society, contrasting with the experiences of many women of lower social status who faced significant barriers to education.

Table: Comparison of Joan of Arc and Heloise

Heloise's prominence stemmed from her education and her relationship with Peter Abelard, which allowed her to engage in theological discussions and spiritual leadership. Together, they founded the Paraclete Abbey, where Heloise served as abbess for much of her life. This partnership illustrates how women could exert influence in society through intellectual and spiritual avenues, despite the constraints imposed by their gender.

In conclusion, both Joan of Arc and Heloise emerged as exceptional figures in a male-dominated society, demonstrating that women could possess intellectual and physical prowess equal to men. Joan's military leadership and Heloise's scholarly contributions challenged the prevailing stereotypes of their time. Their legacies continue to inspire women to confront biases and embrace their potential for change in the world.

References:

• Eastwood, K. "Women in the Middle Ages."
• Kowaleski, M. "The Role of Women in Medieval Society."
• Barstow, A. "Joan of Arc: The Woman Behind the Legend."
• Castor, H. "Joan of Arc: A History."
• Allen, P. "Joan of Arc: A Feminist Icon."
• Dreyer, S. "Heloise: The First Female Intellectual."