According to the stories of Boccaccio, Margery Kempe and Abelard and Heloise, it can easily be assumed that religion, culture and social life in medieval Europe were not impose restrictions on women's activities. Although some women living in medieval Europe show instances of pursuing a life of “substantial action,” this was not common nor easily accomplished without various advantages. As a result, yes, women could overcome the restrictive expectations placed on them. These women who managed to achieve this, however, were forced to use their beauty, wealth or sex. Also considering the sign of the times, women were seen as purely sexual and reproductive figures. That said, women might overcome social restrictions, but they do so in a now unethical modern way. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayWhen considering Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron, he immediately states in his Preface his passionate admiration for beautiful women. Boccaccio believes he is a distraction to the dark lives that women live. “they spend most of their time in the narrow confines of their bedrooms” (Boccaccio, p. 4). As understandably neutral as he may seem, Boccaccio concludes his Avant-garde by expressing an almost angelic power that he exerts sexually over women. “And if, God willing, spirits are lifted, the ladies give thanks to Love: by freeing me from its constraints, it has allowed me to take care of their pleasure.” Boccaccio states that women will get what they want by being beautiful. He is also reluctant to reveal the real names of the women in the Decameron as 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 is from the fourth story. on the fifth day of the Decameron, told by Filostrato. Ricciardo, an eligible young bachelor, finds Caterina extremely beautiful and likable. The two are vulnerable with each other as they confess the love they share. “Caterina, please don't make me die of love” “God grant that you don't make me die of love” (Boccaccio, p. 341). The two decided to sleep on the balcony and fornicated many times. After being caught sleeping and naked by their parents, marriage was forced on them. Fortunately for Caterina, this meant having a rich young man from a good family as a 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 clearly stated, readers may assume that Kempe was wealthy or had connections to wealth. Kempe's ability to undertake his activities suggests he has access to additional help or resources. Although his activities did not last long, he became more involved in religion following his business ventures. He also made a wide range of trips throughout Europe, which was particularly expensive at the time and commonly described as a luxury for the wealthy. Finally she made her husband agree to remain celibate even though they had been married for some time and had children. Kempe has an ironic dialogue with Jesus Christ himself. “In fact it is good for the wife to stay at home with her husband.” Not to mention that Kempe previously desired a celibate marriage with her husband, after reproducing multiple times of course, and Jesus is essentially motivating her to have sexual relations with her husband. However, it can be assumed that Kempe's husband only agreed because there were already children in the photo. He might even be in a relationship at the same time.Kempe's husband may also have been convinced because of Margery's supposed wealth. Whether the full discovery of their celibate relationship was ever clearly revealed or not, Kempe managed to navigate through the restrictions placed on her as a woman in medieval Europe. If you consider the Letters of Abelard and Heloise, the couple is idolized and remembered for their love story. Both intellectual and passionate about learning, it seems to be a perfect and memorable match. Abelard is aware of Heloise's intelligence but is interested above all in her beauty. “I considered all the usual attractions for a lover and decided that she was the one to take into my bed, confident that I would have easy success;” (Clanchy, page 10). Of course Abelard had the common trait shared among men of immediately recognizing gender when they saw a woman. The words spoken by Abelard in his letters show the restrictions that Heloise will have to overcome. For example, during the readings we talk about the place of women in society. Eloisa was constantly reminded of how to present herself and act within social standards. Ironically, Heloise faced social pressure on what a woman should be while Abelard himself never reflected or was described as having a masculine figure or characteristics. Even though masculinity was not under pressure on him, he still maintained an appropriate role in society. As Heloise writes to Abelard, she openly says that she has no intention of marrying him for money. This can be assumed to be true, considering that her uncle, who likely gave her education, shared some of his wealth with her. One can also believe that this statement is true as it has surpassed many of the social normalities. Eloisa is described as an independent woman of the time. Heloise has successfully obtained an education and expresses a passion for learning and an interest in those who admire education. She also managed to maintain a relationship with God and eventually joined him as a nun. In doing so, she gained acceptance and support for her relationship with God. Although Heloise had access to wealth from her uncle, she still managed to overcome social normality as she was not from an upper class. She became known for her education and leadership among her sisters. Heloise is blessed by her uncle's presence as he made it easier to overcome the restrictions afforded to medieval women. Not only did she gain access to his wealth, but it allowed her to continue her education. Quite commonly, women of Heloise's class were usually set up with jobs, married, or practiced religion on a deeper level once they became women. Eloisa falls into the restrictions imposed on women with her sexuality. Her sexuality shows her weak side and how she is placed in restrictions among medieval women. Not to mention that Heloise is beautiful, so it can be assumed that her sexual nature has been tested more times than others due to her attractive nature that she might have on men. “that I should be reduced for those desires, that I might grow in many ways; so that this member may be justly punished for his evil in us.” Eloisa goes on to describe the meaning of “this member” as “the parts of shame.” It becomes obvious that Heloise is struggling to remain pure on God's terms. With her natural beauty and intelligence, it can be assumed that she has been seduced multiple times. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Based on the readings of Giovanni Boccaccio, Margery Kempe, and Abelard and Heloise, it can be concluded that women could and did succeed,, 2001.