Printer-friendly page
Type of Speech: 
Definition: 

Poet and writer (1651-1695), considered the greatest literary figure of the age in which she lived and of Baroque Mexico. The greatest literary figure of the age in which she lived, and of Baroque Mexico, Sister Juana was a gifted poetess and writer. As a young woman, she astonished the leading minds of the viceroy's retinue with her erudition, and wide knowledge of many subjects. At age 17 she entered a convent, despite many offers of marriage, and came to a life of contemplation, religion, and further writing. Later in life, she ran the convent to which she devoted herself.