Réécritures d’une réécriture : la Correspondance d’Abélard et Héloïse
Rewritings of a Rewrite: the Correspondance of Abelard and Heloise

Summary/Abstract: Over the centuries, the authors rewrite the thwarted loves of Abelard and Heloise based on a document in Latin from the 12th-13th century, the Correspondance, itself from now on considered by medievalists as a reinterpretation of the unconventional destiny of the spouses. After a necessary reminder of the past vicissitudes of the myth, our study examines a literary corpus neglected by critics (the contemporary French-speaking novel) in order to complete our knowledge of the famous literary theme, with a more specific analysis of the character of Heloise. Beyond the scabrous texts of the early 20th century and the Gothic novel, contemporary writers, all genres included, most often reconnect with the great lover of the romantic era, the ideal of absolute love, and stage a young woman deeply in love with her lover, to whom she sacrifices her life. As in the 19th century, the Abbess of the Paraclete generally benefits from the stark contrast between her own devotion and the selfishness of her husband.

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