Sor Juana Inês de la Cruz: The First Feminist Writer in the New World

This female scholar, poet, composer, dramatist, and champion of women's rights would be a towering figure in any century. In 17th Century Mexico, however, the Church tried to shut her up and shut her down. Not to worry. Although this dynamic spirit lost that point of argument, she won the debate. Today she is celebrated as the first great poet of Latin America and the first known feminist writer in the New World.

Here's an overview of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz's life and contributions.

Two lovely excerpts from poems written by Sor Juana Inês de la Cruz.

History's “Worst” Nun - a short video on the life of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Feminist Poet of New Spain. - an analysis of one of her feminist poems, “Hombres necios que acusáis” (“You Foolish Men”).

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz's eloquent plea for the education of women, including details of her own painful path to gain an education.