This is the sort of book that truly kindled my desire to study literature in college.

Very little is known about Sor Juana's life. However, Paz manages to bring the seventeenth-century Mexican nun to life through his masterful historical interpretation, incisive psychological speculations, and meticulous readings of many of her poems. The book is based on his lecture courses at Harvard and the Colegio Nacional.

Paz's Sor Juana emerges as a remarkable female intellectual who treats the life of the mind as a vocation as fulfilling as that of a religious.

"If there is such a thing as a feminine temperament, in the most arresting sense of the word, it is that of Sor. She fascinates us because the most extreme oppositions come together in her without ever completely blending. Perhaps this is the secret of her compelling vitality: few beings are as alive as she -- after being buried for centuries." (p. 112)

"...the admirable coherence and unity of those poems show that they were a response to her psychological and intellectual circumstances -- her cloistered life and character -- and her need to transcend those circumstances and to justify her life and her vocation...The obstinacy with which she insisted on being herself, her skill and her tact in surmounting obstacles, her fidelity to her inner voices, the secret and proud pertinacity that allowed her to bend without breaking, none of this was rebellion -- impossible in her time and her situation -- but it was (and is) an example of intelligence and will in the service of internal freedom." (p. 297)

Paz reminds us that Sor Juana's historic distance, with its mythology, pre-Galilean astrology, and medieval medical notions, merely masks a sensibility that can still move and inform us today.

"I believe that modern psychological theories have merely replaced a set of fantastic principles (humors, stars, spirits, affinities, and antipathies) with others no less fantastic (complexes, compulsions, the unconscious, archetypes). In a certain way, psychology today is nothing more than a translation of Renaissance psychology into modern scientific terms." (p. 205)

This book offers a profound and engaging exploration of Sor Juana's life and work, making it a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the study of female intellectuals.

The author, the Mexican poet and essayist Octavio Paz, conducts a study on Juana Inés Ramírez/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. This study is very well-documented and, in my opinion, quite objective in its hypotheses about the life and work of the Mexican Juana Inés.

Octavio Paz delves deep into the various aspects of Juana Inés' life, exploring her upbringing, her intellectual pursuits, and her contributions to literature and thought.

He examines her works with a critical eye, analyzing the themes, styles, and techniques she employed.

By doing so, Paz presents a comprehensive and nuanced picture of Juana Inés, highlighting her significance not only in Mexican literature but also in the broader context of world literature.

His study serves as an important contribution to the understanding and appreciation of this remarkable figure.

¡Qué librazo! With great acuity and sensitivity, Octavio Paz presents to us the times and life of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. He skillfully and astutely refutes some pious lies or omissions that were used to minimize or deny the frictions of Sor Juana with the ecclesiastical hierarchy.

The work of Paz is a remarkable exploration into the complex world of Sor Juana. It delves deep into the historical context, revealing the challenges and struggles she faced. By uncovering the truth behind the myths and legends, Paz gives us a more accurate and nuanced understanding of this remarkable woman.

His analysis is not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally engaging. We are able to empathize with Sor Juana's experiences and gain a greater appreciation for her courage and determination. Overall, Paz's work is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women, literature, and religion.

A great book about her and the history of Mexico is truly a captivating piece of literature. It delves deep into the life and times of a remarkable individual, while also providing a comprehensive overview of the rich and diverse history of Mexico. The author skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes and historical facts, creating a narrative that is both engaging and informative. Through this book, readers can gain a better understanding of the cultural, social, and political forces that have shaped Mexico over the years. It offers a unique perspective on the country's past, present, and future, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

This statement "Too dramatic to be a factual account. Great book!" seems rather concise. Let's expand it a bit.

The book in question is truly a remarkable piece of work. It presents a story that is so filled with drama and excitement that one might initially question its authenticity. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the author has masterfully crafted a narrative that, while perhaps not strictly a factual account in the traditional sense, still manages to capture the essence of a particular time, place, or event.

The drama within the pages adds a layer of intensity and engagement that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. It is this very drama that makes the book so great. It allows the reader to immerse themselves in a world that is both familiar and yet充满了惊喜. Whether it's through the vivid descriptions of the characters or the thrilling plot twists, the author has created a work that is truly unforgettable.

In conclusion, while the book may not be a completely factual account, it is still a great read that offers a unique and captivating perspective on life.

Jaja, I feel really strange. I hate Paz for being violent, misogynistic, and racist. Even so, I will dare to say that he wrote a great essay about Sor Juana (or did Elena Garro write it behind the scenes, eh?). And it is very lucid. There are so many facts about Sor Juana that I didn't know. I find it quite curious that we have her on the Mexican bills and almost all of Mexico has heard about the nun, but really we don't know much beyond that. The entire life and work of Juana Inés is incredible. I would summarize the book as "Up with Sor Juana, poetry and theology, and damn it, the bishop Manuel Fernández de Santa Cruz" in truth, the bishop couldn't stand it.

It's interesting to explore the complex relationship between Paz and Sor Juana. Despite Paz's flaws, his essay provides valuable insights into Sor Juana's life and works. We often take for granted the figures we see on our currency, but Sor Juana's story is much more than meets the eye. Her contributions to poetry and theology were significant, and yet, there is still so much we have to learn about her.

Maybe we should look beyond the surface and dig deeper into the lives of these historical figures. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of our past and how it has shaped our present.

Sor Juana is my moon and my sun.

She is like a gentle breeze that caresses my soul and a warm ray of light that fills my heart.

Her presence is a source of inspiration and comfort, always guiding me through the darkest of times.

Whenever I think of her, my spirit soars and I feel a sense of peace and tranquility.

She is the embodiment of beauty, wisdom, and grace, and I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

Her words are like precious pearls that I cherish and hold dear, and her actions are a testament to her kind and loving nature.

In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, Sor Juana is my constant, my anchor, and my guiding star.

I will always look up to her and strive to be like her, for she is truly a remarkable and extraordinary being.

I never imagined that Octavio Paz would introduce me to the world of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

It is a long and heavy book to read, not because the theme is heavy, but because of the way of interpreting the reading. It is a novel that everyone should read at some point in their lives.

This work takes us on a journey through the complex and fascinating life of Sor Juana. Her intelligence, her creativity, and her struggle against the limitations of her time are all vividly portrayed.

As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself completely immersed in her world. I could feel her passion for knowledge, her frustration with the restrictions placed on women, and her unwavering spirit.

Reading this novel has not only expanded my understanding of history and literature but has also inspired me to think more deeply about the role of women in society. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that I would highly recommend to anyone.