Sor Juana: Or, the Traps of Faith is a remarkable work by Octavio Paz, one of Mexico's great poets. Published in 1988, this 547-page biography delves into the life of Sor Juana, an American original.

Octavio Paz, the author, is not just a poet but a master of various disciplines. His portrayal of Sor Juana is far more than a typical chronological account. He spends a significant amount of time setting the context and prelude, allowing the reader to understand the world that shaped her choices and responses.

Sor Juana was a product of her time, yet she expressed ideas and inclinations that were ahead of her era. She was the first woman in literature to speak in her own name, defend her sex, and use the same weapons as her detractors.

The author discusses Sor Juana's poetry and other writings in both the historical context of the Baroque and from a modern perspective, considering her large legacy in Latin American letters. The writing is of the highest quality, often leaving the reader in awe of Paz's knowledge and skill.

This book is both humbling and inspiring, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the life and works of Sor Juana, as well as for those who appreciate great literature and historical scholarship.

At times, this work reads like a text book, presenting information in a rather dry and academic manner.

However, it also has its moments of brilliance, as it delves deep into the study of a fascinating character.

Occasionally, though, it seems to lose sight of the subject at hand, getting sidetracked by tangential details or ideas.

Nonetheless, overall, it offers a unique and engaging perspective on the character, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in character studies.

Despite its flaws, it manages to capture the essence of the character and present it in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

It makes one wonder about the nature of the character and how they came to be the way they are.

In conclusion, while it may not be a perfect work, it is still a fascinating character study that is sure to leave an impression on the reader.

I will never forget two names: Hermes Trismegisto and Athanasius Kircher.

These names hold a certain mystery and allure that has stayed with me.

Hermes Trismegisto, often associated with ancient wisdom and alchemy, seems to embody a world of hidden knowledge and arcane secrets.

Athanasius Kircher, on the other hand, was a polymath of the 17th century, known for his wide-ranging interests and extensive research.

The mention of these two names in Paz's essay adds a layer of depth and intrigue.

It makes me wonder about the connections between different eras, fields of study, and the human quest for understanding.

Paz's exploration of these names is both thought-provoking and engaging, and it is truly the best essay by Paz that I've read.

It has opened my eyes to new perspectives and made me eager to learn more about the fascinating figures and ideas that he presents.

I read it when I was 14 years old and then reread it twice more. Now I realize that it is a difficult book, but the way it tells the story of Sor Juana catches you from the beginning.

It is incredible that two of the best writers in Mexico are captured, each in their own way, in the same work.

I think that Octavio Paz admired Sor Juana very much and transmitted it on every page.

Definitely my favorite book.

Sor Juana (1648-1695) was a solitary and contradictory figure in 17th-century Mexico. She was a nun and an erotic enigma. A woman well-versed in culture, politics, and business. A self-taught writer, poet, and intellectual with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. A fighter for women's equality and the freedom of critical thinking under the protection and supervision of the church.

Born out of wedlock, due to her intelligence, she became a favorite of the Vicereine, mingled in the royal court, and received various courtships. Suddenly, she chose the life in a convent. She transformed her cell into a study full of books, works of art, scientific instruments, and turned the convent into a kind of lively public space (salon) for literary and intellectual discussions. She wrote novels, poems, rhymes, secular comedies, sacred poems, theological essays, and arguments for women's rights to learn and develop. Her works were staged and published in almost all the Spanish-dominated regions - half of the Western world at that time.

This book is the result of Octavio Paz's effort to combine history and poetry. Paz supplemented it with comprehensive information about the process of excavating and writing Sor Juana's history so far, the existing sources of information - their limitations and obscurity tendencies, Sor Juana's response letter to her silencing, and the Spanish literary terms used. It is highly recommended.

Full review: http://c2o-library.net/2010/07/sor-ju...

Thanks to Ismail Ilmi, our friend in Bali, for his book :)

Este tipo escribe muy bien.

He has a remarkable talent for writing. His words flow smoothly and effortlessly, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

Whether it's a short story, an article, or a poem, he always manages to convey his thoughts and emotions with clarity and precision.

His writing style is unique and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

He pays great attention to detail, choosing each word carefully to create the perfect atmosphere and mood.

With his excellent writing skills, he has the ability to transport the reader to another world and make them feel as if they are a part of the story.

It's no wonder that he is highly regarded by his peers and has received numerous accolades for his work.

I have no doubt that he will continue to produce outstanding writing in the future.

You know you're in for a beautiful biography when the text itself is as compelling as the subject matter.

Just imagine having a Nobel laureate like Octavio Paz pen your autobiography. It's like having Vincent Van Gogh paint your house. The result is bound to be a masterpiece.

Sor Juana's life is a thrilling blend of literary brilliance and political intrigue. This unique combination gives Paz a more complete arsenal to craft a great piece of non-fiction.

Whether you have the least bit of knowledge or interest in this field, you will not regret sampling the works of these two great authors. Their collaboration has produced a literary gem that is sure to captivate readers.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this biography and embark on a journey through the life of Sor Juana, as told by the talented Octavio Paz. You won't be disappointed.

Sor Juana: Or, the Traps of Faith holds a significant place in Mexican literary history. It's truly remarkable as it presents the country's second-best poet paying tribute to its first-best poet within a single volume. However, the book has its drawbacks. It is astonishingly long, and one might wonder why a so-called biography on Sor Juana is only a hundred pages shorter than the volume of her complete works. Moreover, in many aspects, it seems to be more about Paz and his views on poetry and nationhood. In fact, we know very little about Sor Juana herself, and much of Paz's "biography" could perhaps be better described as "educated speculation." Sorjuanistas, especially those with a feminist perspective, have issues with some of Paz's interpretations. It's important to note that Mexico's sole Nobel laureate has particular and sometimes rather peculiar perspectives on Latin America and what defines literary merit. He may even overemphasize the connection he perceives between the nun and 20th-century figures he admires, such as Leon Trotsky. After spending five months reading this book, I had hoped to have more intelligent and profound thoughts. Nevertheless, it's safe to say that if you have a passion for Sor Juana, Octavio Paz, or Mexican poetry, you would be unwise to overlook this essential volume.

A very interesting book indeed! The writing within it is truly incredible. The story of Sor Juana is nothing short of amazing. It delves into her life in the convent, her writing, and her position in court. All of these elements combine to make this book an extremely interesting read. Although it may not be a quick read, it is well worth the time and effort. The detailed descriptions and the captivating narrative draw the reader in and keep them engaged from beginning to end. One can't help but be fascinated by the life and experiences of Sor Juana as presented in this book. It offers a unique perspective on a remarkable individual and a bygone era.

Reading is an essential activity for my artwork research. It allows me to explore various topics, gain inspiration, and deepen my understanding of different cultures and concepts. By delving into books, articles, and other written materials, I can discover new techniques, styles, and ideas that can be incorporated into my own work.

Researching through reading also helps me to develop a more informed and unique perspective. It enables me to draw connections between different artworks and movements, and to see how they have evolved over time. This knowledge can then be used to inform my own creative decisions and to push the boundaries of my work.

In addition to providing valuable information, reading can also be a source of relaxation and inspiration. Losing myself in a good book or article can transport me to another world and激发 my imagination. It can give me the motivation and drive to create something new and exciting.

Overall, reading is an integral part of my artistic process. It helps me to expand my knowledge, develop my skills, and激发 my creativity. I will continue to make reading a priority in my research and to use the insights and inspiration gained from it to create art that is both meaningful and engaging.

I didn't have any knowledge about the author, Octavio Paz, until I came across this book.

A friend, who happened to notice me reading it, exclaimed, "Oh! Octavio Paz!" in a tone that led me to believe the author was of great significance.

His writing delved into aspects of culture and the arts that I had never even considered before.

He is truly a very cool author, but the subject matter he explores is quite tragic.

As Paz himself put it, "The life and work of Juana Ines can be summed up in a single sentence: Knowledge is a transgression committed by a solitary hero who then is punished."

This statement by Paz encapsulates the essence of Juana Ines' story, highlighting the consequences that can come with the pursuit of knowledge.

It makes one wonder about the many other untold stories of those who have dared to seek knowledge and face the consequences.

Octavio Paz's work not only provides an in-depth look at a particular subject but also makes us reflect on the broader themes of culture, art, and the human experience.

This is an excellent biography of Sor Juana Ines. At times, it can be repetitive. However, it is very comprehensive and highly recommended.

The author has done a great job of presenting the life and works of Sor Juana Ines in a detailed and engaging manner. The book provides insights into her early life, her education, her literary achievements, and her struggles as a woman in a male-dominated society.

One of the strengths of this biography is the author's use of primary sources. The author has consulted a wide range of documents, including Sor Juana Ines' own writings, letters, and diaries, as well as contemporary accounts of her life. This gives the book a sense of authenticity and makes it a valuable resource for scholars and students of Sor Juana Ines.

Another strength of this biography is the author's ability to place Sor Juana Ines in the context of her times. The book provides a detailed account of the political, social, and cultural environment in which Sor Juana Ines lived and worked. This helps the reader to understand the challenges and opportunities that she faced and to appreciate the significance of her achievements.

In conclusion, this is an excellent biography of Sor Juana Ines that is well worth reading. It is comprehensive, engaging, and well-researched, and it provides a valuable contribution to the study of this important figure in Mexican literature and history.