Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz was a Mexican nun who is considered to have written the first feminist manifesto. A self-taught scholar and poet, she was born an illegitimate child of a poor family. She began her education by reading any books she could get her hands on, mostly her grandfathers. She demanded knowledge and desired to learn constantly. Because during this time it was not acceptable for women to have an education, she thought of different ways to still pursue an education. She thought of disguising herself as a boy and attending University however her mother did not approve. She did study under a scholarly priest and became known as a child prodigy. Sor Juana’s works received many criticisms and she eventually devoted herself to a life of religion and sacrifice.  Sor Filotea was the pseudonym of the bishop. He criticized Sor Juana for her works and for devoting more time to intellectual studies that are more suited for men than women. Sor Juana’s letters explain her desire to study and learn and how she has had this desire since she was a young girl.

The most interesting part of the blog to me was reading about the prejudice and bias there was against women concerning education. I found it interesting that even as such a young girl Sor Juana was subject to this. I think it is pretty fascinating how smart and adaptive Sor Juana was as a child.