Writing Development

Juana began to write her own poetry. She proved to be no ordinary scribe, indeed her works proved to be both brilliant and highly controversial. Juana wrote several pieces that were revolutionary, especially for the time period in which she found herself in.

Juana didn't limit her writings to topics related to religious matters. On the contrary, many of her works were love poems and plays of passion. This was quite unusual for a woman altogether but for a nun, her choice of subject matter aroused the wrath of many who were in power. As well, Juana was known to comment on matters theological, which in turn, incited those in authority to condemn her audacity. Women in Colonial Mexico were not culturally supported to express their own opinions. It wasn't long before her words and her personage incited an angry response.

MAIN LITERARY PIECES

One of Juana's famous literary pieces entitled 'Hombres Necios' (Foolish Men) is a classic work. Within its scope it addresses the inherent rights of all women and the hypocrisy of those who judge others, namely in regards to prostitution. Juana sheds light on the matter by poising the question of who is more to blame, the one who commits the act for money or the one who pays for it.

Another hallmark work of Juana's is a letter she wrote in response to a critique. This famous letter, 'Respuesta a Sor Filotea' (Response to Sister Filotea) was prompted by an angry letter she received where a supposed colleague criticized her secular leanings, admonished her to abandon her writings and commit herself solely to religion. In truth, the author was the Bishop of Puebla who disguised his true identity. This bishop was a supposed friend of Juana's and thus the betrayal was double.