Noble Blood: The Coquette Avenged – A Detailed Summary

Episode Information

• Podcast Title: Noble Blood
• Host/Author: Dana Schwartz
• Production: iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild
• Episode Title: The Coquette Avenged
• Release Date: March 11, 2025

Overview In this captivating episode of Noble Blood, Dana Schwartz delves into the intriguing life of Ninon de l'Enclos, a 17th-century French woman who defied societal expectations to carve her own path. From her early life in Parisian high society to her role as a celebrated courtesan and later as a literary salon hostess, Ninon's story is one of resilience, intellect, and unwavering independence.

1. Early Life and Background

Timestamp: [00:30]

Ninon de l'Enclos, born Anne de l'Enclos on November 10, 1620, emerged from Parisian high society, though her family's noble status remains debated among historians. Her father, Henri de l'Enclos, was a talented luteist and composer who instilled in her both musical prowess and philosophical thought, specifically Neo-Epicureanism—a revival of Epicurean philosophy focused on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.

Ninon's mother, in contrast, was a devout Catholic aiming to mold her daughter’s moral compass in line with Counter-Reformational Catholicism. This ideological clash within her household set the stage for Ninon's later rebellion against traditional female roles.

2. Rejection of Conformity: Marriage and Convent

Timestamp: [04:10]

In 17th-century France, women of the upper class typically faced two paths upon reaching adulthood: marriage or entering a convent. Ninon vehemently opposed both, viewing them as restrictive and inhibiting her freedom. Demonstrating her early defiance, she famously declared to her friends, “since women are tasked with frivolities and men are allotted freedoms they take for granted, from this moment, I will be a man” ([08:45]).

This declaration wasn’t about gender identity but rather a statement against the societal constraints imposed on women. Determined to bypass the limited choices available, Ninon chose to become a courtesan—a role that, while still constrained, offered her a semblance of independence and social mobility.

3. Rise as Paris’s Premier Courtesan

Timestamp: [10:30]

Ninon leveraged her intellect, charm, and artistic talents to distinguish herself from her contemporaries. Unlike many courtesans who either hailed from impoverished backgrounds or sought upward mobility, Ninon used her position to foster both financial and social independence. Her approach was sophisticated; as portrayed by her biographer Roger Duchamp, “Ninon earned her living by having sex. Having sex was not her life” ([12:15]).

Her relationships with powerful men, including General Louis II de Bourbon and François, Duke de la Rochefoucauld, elevated her status. Notably, her rejection of Cardinal Richelieu’s advances underscored her autonomy and unwillingness to be swayed by even the most influential figures of her time ([16:50]).

4. Philosophical Beliefs and Personal Philosophy

Timestamp: [18:40]

Ninon’s Neo-Epicurean beliefs profoundly influenced her worldview, particularly her stance on sexuality and morality. She challenged the prevailing Christian notion that desire was inherently sinful, advocating instead for a naturalistic understanding of human desires. In her own words, “oh, you mortals who rely so much on the power of your virtue... The desire for love in a woman is a substantial part of her natural constitution” ([20:25]).

This philosophy not only justified her lifestyle but also empowered her to live authentically, rejecting societal expectations to conform to restrictive moral codes.

5. Imprisonment and Rescue

Timestamp: [22:10]

Despite her efforts to navigate a path of independence, societal backlash was inevitable. Amid the conservative resurgence following the Fronde wars, Ninon faced increased scrutiny. In 1656, a petition led by detractors resulted in her imprisonment in a convent—a common punishment for rebellious women. Contrary to enduring her confinement, Ninon’s resilience shone through.

Her liberation came unexpectedly through Queen Christina of Sweden, a kindred spirit who admired Ninon’s convictions. Their meeting in the convent was transformative, leading to Ninon’s release and the subsequent circulation of the pamphlet Coquette Avenged in 1659 ([24:35]). This publication further cemented her philosophical stance against religious and societal constraints.

6. Later Life: Literary Salon Hostess and Legacy

Timestamp: [25:50]

Returning to Paris, Ninon transitioned from her role as a courtesan to becoming a prominent salon hostess. In 1667, she established her salon at the Hotel de Sagan, attracting luminaries like the memoirist St. Simon, playwright Mollieri, and Madame Scarron. Her salons became hubs of intellectual discourse, reflecting her enduring commitment to fostering education and philosophical debate.

Ninon’s mentorship of Charles de Sevign, an aristocrat much younger than herself, highlighted her influence on the next generation of thinkers. Her correspondence with him offered insights into her progressive views on gender roles and relationships, urging men to balance intellectual rigor with emotional intelligence ([26:00]).

As she aged, Ninon remained undeterred by societal notions of beauty and mortality. Her letters from her later years emphasized the primacy of the soul and intellect over physical appearance, encapsulating her lifelong dedication to personal integrity and intellectual fulfillment ([26:40]).

7. Enduring Impact and Literary Legacy

Timestamp: [26:50]

Ninon de l'Enclos passed away in Paris in 1705 at the age of 84. Her legacy extended beyond her lifetime, influencing future intellectuals and writers. Notably, her support for a young boy who would become the renowned philosopher Voltaire underscores her lasting impact on the literary world. Ninon’s life exemplifies the pursuit of freedom and intellectual honesty, making her a pivotal figure in the history of women's autonomy and philosophical thought.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Ninon’s Declaration of Independence:

   • “Since women are tasked with frivolities and men are allotted freedoms they take for granted, from this moment, I will be a man.” — [08:45]

2. Ninon's Approach to Courtesanship:

   • “Ninon earned her living by having sex. Having sex was not her life.” — Roger Duchamp via Dana Schwartz ([12:15])

3. Rejection of Cardinal Richelieu:

   • Highlighting her autonomy and the weight of her social influence by refusing one of France's most powerful figures ([16:50]).

4. Philosophical Stance on Desire:

   • “Oh, you mortals who rely so much on the power of your virtue... The desire for love in a woman is a substantial part of her natural constitution.” — [20:25]

5. Advice to Charles de Sevign:

   • “It is not because you possess superior qualities... you will not please women. I warn you that you cannot succeed in any other manner, especially.” — [26:00]

6. Views on Aging:

   • “Wrinkles are a mark of wisdom... The soul and the mind, she believed, shone far brighter than beauty.” — [26:40]

Conclusion

Ninon de l'Enclos's life story, as vividly portrayed in this episode of Noble Blood, is a testament to the enduring struggle for female autonomy and intellectual freedom. By challenging societal norms and embracing her philosophical beliefs, Ninon not only shaped her destiny but also left an indelible mark on French intellectual circles and beyond. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for those who dare to defy conventions in pursuit of personal and intellectual liberation.