Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
c. 1648–1695
A brilliant poet and scholar who loved learning and writing in colonial Mexico.
Early Life
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was born around 1648 in a small village in what is now Mexico. From a very young age, she showed an amazing love for learning. She taught herself to read and write when she was only a little girl.
Juana was curious about everything. She read books about poetry, science, math, and history. She even taught herself Latin, which was very rare for girls at that time.
A Love for Learning
When Juana was a teenager, her intelligence became famous. Important people invited her to the royal court in Mexico City to test her knowledge. She amazed everyone by answering difficult questions with ease.
Juana wanted a life where she could keep learning and reading. Since women had very few chances to study, she chose to become a nun. This gave her time and space to think, write, and study many subjects.
Life as a Writer
As a nun, Juana took the name Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. She wrote beautiful poems, plays, and essays. Her writing was full of clever ideas, humor, and strong feelings.
She often wrote about knowledge, faith, and the importance of education. Sor Juana believed that girls should be allowed to learn just like boys. Her words inspired people to think more deeply and ask questions.
Challenges and Strength
Not everyone agreed with Sor Juana’s ideas. Some people thought she should stop studying and writing. Even when it was hard, she stayed true to her love of learning.
Later in life, Sor Juana spent more time helping others and caring for sick people during an illness that spread through her convent. She passed away in 1695, but her powerful words lived on.
Legacy
Today, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is remembered as one of the greatest writers in Spanish history. She is a symbol of courage, curiosity, and the joy of learning.
Schools, libraries, and even money in Mexico honor her name. Her life shows kids everywhere that loving books and asking questions can change the world.
🎉 Fun Facts
She taught herself Latin at a young age.
She had a huge library with hundreds of books.
Her face appears on Mexican money.
She wrote poems, plays, and essays.
She is sometimes called the "Phoenix of the Americas."