Incredible is the lucidity of Paz and the clarity with which he expresses his ideas. This book is a teaching example for our illustrious contemporary Mexican "intellectuals". Here they can learn how things should be done.

As for Sor Juana, the woman that Paz presents to us is fascinating. She is a very feminine woman, a deep and complex character, a real woman of flesh and blood, and not the absurd feminist caricature that many Mexican writers, especially female writers, are determined to construct around her.

Hopefully, at some point, Mexico can once again have writers of the level of Sor Juana Inés and Octavio Paz. Their works are not only literary masterpieces but also mirrors that reflect the social, cultural, and intellectual aspects of their times. We should learn from their experiences and strive to create more outstanding literary works to contribute to the development of Mexican literature and culture.

Cierro el año con la relectura del libro Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz o las trampas de la fe. Este es un libro-recurso que debe ser parte de nuestra biblioteca feminista. Obviamente, no por Octavio Paz, eso se lo debemos las feministas a Elena Garro. Más bien, porque él hace un trabajo de archivo y documentación que muchas mujeres investigadoras no tienen el tiempo, ni recursos, ni los espacios para hacer.

Paz nos ofrece una joya para entender la sociedad novohispana y las relaciones de poder y jerárquicas dentro de las instituciones que enmarcaban la vida y obra de Sor Juana.

Leer un libro como este requiere de una cierta metodología historiográfica. Yo les recomiendo acercarse al libro de Masculinidades Femeninas del autor queer Jack Halberstam. Allí utiliza lo que denomina como "presentismo perverso", un modelo que evita la trampa de proyectar concepciones actuales hacia atrás en el tiempo. Pero, a su vez, un modelo que permite aplicar reflexiones del presente a enigmas del pasado. Así, el protofeminismo de Sor Juana puede entenderse en toda potencia de transgresión.

Juana Inés utiliza lo que la ensayista argentina, Josefina Ludmer denomina como "las tretas del débil". Es decir, formas agenciales que, desde el lugar asignado y aceptado, permiten cambiar no sólo el sentido de ese lugar sino el sentido mismo de lo que se instaura en él. De esta manera, Sor Juana se enfrenta a las estructuras machistas y patriarcales de su tiempo. No sólo de la sociedad masculinista de su época, sino del mundo de las letras, las artes, la religión.

Nadie entendió mejor que Sor Juana la complejidad del deseo, la libertad erótica de las relaciones entre mujeres, lo trémulo de carne y el misticismo, la indisciplina de las palabras, lo romántico de la fe y la traición de la misma. La figura de Sor Juana es compleja y enigmática porque desde una celda hace lo que pocos en libertad: incomodar y desestabilizar a un sistema con la impertinencia de su sexo y la fineza de sus palabras, pagando un alto precio por ello: la negación, clausura y despojo de si misma.

Except for some pages where Paz abuses his poetic dialectic, everything else is well worth it. The historical interpretation, the social environment in which his life developed, and mainly the description that Paz makes of the ideas that preceded his time are all of great value. The crisis that Sor Juana lived through towards the end of her life is almost novelistic. When the protection of the viceroy weakens and she is subjected to the pressures of the archbishop of Mexico, the bishop of Puebla ("Sor Filotea"), and her confessor, Antonio Nuñez de Miranda. In addition, the reading that he makes of the critical historiography on Sor Juana is also very worthwhile. I recommend it.

The work of Paz offers a deep and comprehensive exploration of Sor Juana's life and times. His analysis of the historical context helps to shed light on the challenges and opportunities that Sor Juana faced. The description of the various figures who exerted pressure on her adds a layer of drama and complexity to the narrative. Moreover, Paz's examination of the critical historiography on Sor Juana provides a valuable perspective on how her work has been received and interpreted over the years.

Overall, Paz's work is a must-read for anyone interested in Sor Juana, Mexican history, or the intersection of literature and society. It offers a rich and engaging account that will leave readers with a greater understanding and appreciation of this remarkable figure.

Still the best Sor Juana biography out there.

This statement holds a great deal of significance. Sor Juana is a remarkable figure in history, and finding a truly excellent biography about her is no easy task.

The fact that this particular biography is considered the best implies that it offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of her life, achievements, and the challenges she faced.

It likely delves into her intellectual pursuits, her contributions to literature and art, and the social and cultural context in which she lived.

Readers who are interested in Sor Juana can expect to gain a deeper understanding of her as a person and as an influential figure through this biography.

It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone else who wishes to learn more about this extraordinary woman.

Overall, the claim that this is the best Sor Juana biography out there is a testament to its quality and importance in the field of historical research and biography writing.

5 estrellas no son suficientes para calificar esta obra.

Es realmente una maravilla. Está impecablemente escrita, lo que demuestra la erudición de Octavio Paz en todo su esplendor.

Cada página está llena de ideas profundas y expresiones poéticas que cautivan al lector desde el primer momento.

La estructura de la obra es perfecta, y el desarrollo de los argumentos es fluido y coherente.

Además, el lenguaje utilizado por Octavio Paz es tan rico y elegante que hace que la lectura sea una experiencia placentera.

En resumen, esta obra es un verdadero clásico de la literatura y merece ser leída y admirada por todos aquellos que aprecian la buena literatura.

Qué belleza!

It describes the environment in the 17th century during New Spain, the history of the beginnings of Mexico as such.

And what could be better than the words of a Nobel dedicated to a woman who is both so brilliant and complex at the same time.

In the 17th century, New Spain was a land of great contrast and beauty. The rich and powerful ruled over a diverse population, and the culture was a blend of indigenous and European influences.

The history of Mexico's beginnings is a fascinating tale of conquest, colonization, and the struggle for independence.

And the woman who is the subject of this Nobel's words is a remarkable figure, one who embodies the spirit and complexity of this time period.

Her story is one that is both inspiring and thought-provoking, and it serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse history of Mexico.

This isn't an easy book to read, for a plethora of reasons. I discovered Octavio Paz to be an outstanding writer. However, I hadn't anticipated such an in-depth analysis of poetry and Spanish literature, among other things. His treatment is highly scholarly and balanced.

One of the captivating treasures within the book is his tracing of Mexican history. It spans from the ancient peoples, through the arrival of the Spanish, the development of New Spain, and how this influenced and shaped the existing Republic of Mexico. Additionally, his thorough explanation of the social, cultural, civil, and religious milieu in which Sor Juana was born and lived is remarkable. But it确实 requires some time and effort to plow through!

His subject, Juana Ramírez de Asbaje, later known as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651 - 1695), is a fascinating woman on multiple levels, yet a most curious individual. The lack of first-hand sources, aside from a significant portion of her writings, makes it impossible to establish a clear identity. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: she left her mark on Mexican literary history. And if her most recently (as of 1981) discovered letter is any indication of her personality, she was truly extraordinary. The letter, written to her longtime/sometime spiritual director, Jesuit Fr. Antonio Núñez de Miranda, is a breathtakingly open and honest confrontation by a 17th-century Mexican woman with a very rigid, controlling, and typical 17th-century powerful prelate, whom she actually loved and respected. I would highly urge any woman who is serious about both her own womanhood and religious faith to read it.

Obviously, reading Sor Juana's published works, preferably in Spanish, would be the logical next step after reading Octavio Paz's very fine book.

Let her write. She just wants to learn.

Writing is a powerful tool for self-expression and learning. It allows individuals to convey their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a clear and organized manner.

By giving her the freedom to write, we are enabling her to explore her creativity and develop her writing skills.

She may make mistakes along the way, but that is part of the learning process.

We should encourage her to keep writing, to experiment with different styles and techniques, and to not be afraid of making mistakes.

With practice and perseverance, she will surely improve and become a better writer.

So, let's give her the space and support she needs to pursue her passion for writing.

One of the best books that I have read is truly remarkable. It stands out not only because of the magnificent author but also due to the subject of analysis. The author's writing style is captivating, drawing the reader in from the very beginning. The subject matter is so engaging that it keeps you hooked until the very end. It offers unique insights and perspectives that are both thought-provoking and enlightening. This book is truly a must-read. It is impossible to put it down once you start. It has the power to change your way of thinking and leave a lasting impression on you. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read and explore new ideas.

If you have to write an entire chapter to justify that the love poems a woman wrote to another woman are totally heterosexual, u gise! you may be reaching.

It seems rather odd to go to such great lengths to prove a point that might not be as straightforward as one thinks. Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion, and the nature of the relationships it forms can be diverse.

Just because a woman writes love poems to another woman doesn't necessarily mean it has to fit into the traditional definition of heterosexuality. There could be various interpretations and meanings behind those poems.

Maybe the woman is expressing platonic love, or perhaps there are deeper emotions at play that don't conform to the norms. Instead of trying to force a particular label or classification, it might be more beneficial to simply appreciate the beauty and authenticity of the love being expressed, regardless of its nature.

After all, love is love, and it should be celebrated in all its forms.

I believe it still remains a valuable document for understanding the life and work of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Only the author makes mistakes in his psychological interpretations and in some other social commentaries. However, these are minor. Overall, it is an excellent analysis of the life and work of the poet.

The work in question offers a wealth of information about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. It delves into the various aspects of her life, from her early years to her later achievements as a poet. The details provided give readers a comprehensive picture of this remarkable woman.

Although the author's psychological interpretations and social commentaries have some flaws, they do not overshadow the overall quality of the analysis. The positive aspects of the work far outweigh the negative. It serves as a great resource for those interested in learning more about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and her contributions to literature and society.

With all the historical and linguistic rigor, added to the analytical and associative depth that characterizes our Nobel Prize, Paz immerses us in a journey through time, through the emotions and words that surrounded Juana Ines to give a faithful (or the most faithful) portrait of our Mexican poet. Paz also analyzes the reasons why Sor Juana is unique in her context and in ours, and how she contributed unique elements to "restore her" in universal literature.

The work of Paz not only provides a detailed examination of Sor Juana's life and works but also offers valuable insights into the cultural and historical background that shaped her. By delving into the various aspects of her poetry, Paz uncovers the hidden meanings and themes that make her work so relevant and timeless.

Moreover, Paz's analysis helps us to understand the significance of Sor Juana's contributions to literature and her place in the pantheon of great writers. Her unique voice and perspective have inspired generations of poets and writers, and her work continues to be studied and celebrated today.