Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

by Pamela Kirk Rappaport

This book introduces Sor Juana as a major theological figure, who excelled in "sacramental dramas" and liturgical poetry. Pamela Kirk argues that Sor Juana stands out not only as a great thinker, but as a fascinating and complex person. Just as noteworthy is Sor Juana's clear awareness of her role as a woman artist in a social and ecclesiastical milieu that was militantly patriarchal. Her last major work, written in response to episcopal criticism of "worldliness," is a defense of her rights as an intellectual in the church. This book explores Sor Juana's life and work as a contribution to Latin American theology. Kirk also looks at Sor Juana's position as a strong-willed woman writing in an age when to have a feminist voice and use it was scandalous; and she contrasts this with the fact that Sor Juana's writing was, at least initially, supported and encouraged by those in power.