Juana Inés de la Cruz

About

Early feminist author and philosopher who studied everything around her and argued forcefully that all women should be allowed to do the same.

Before Fame

She was taught to read in school, and she expanded her knowledge through browsing her grandfather's library, pushing herself to study more and faster.

Trivia

She wrote many classic poems and sonnets during her life, becoming a literary hero of Mexico. Her likeness was on the 200 pesos bill and her life dramatized in many books.

Family Life

She was born in the village of San Miguel Mepantla near Mexico City, fathered likely by a Spanish sea captain who never appeared in her life.

Associated With

She was played by Adriana Barraza in the film Juana de Asbaje, an adaptation of the biographical novel about Sor Juana.