The Answer I

In the beginning of her response Sor Juana uses sarcasm and personal anecdotes to convey her point of view. Sor Juana was aware that the letter of criticism she had received was from a man and was doing all she could to keep the illusion going. It is one thing to disagree with another woman and it’s another to disagree with a man who thinks he is superior because he is a man. Much like Christine de Pizan, Sor Juana says ridiculous things that nobody will believe. She uses this device to imply the opposite with humility. No one wants to hear anyone carry on about how remarkable they are—the people that are foolish enough to do this are thought of as conceded and people try to avoid them. This approach is especially evident when Sor Juana discusses her intelligence and education through the constant remarks that she doesn’t know anything. She stresses that it’s not because she doesn’t want to learn—it’s because of the constant interruptions and that she has to teach herself. I think that this description is important because it can be applied to all women at this time since educating women isn’t an acceptable practice.

“But this is the way of things, for when learned men fall prey to passion they burst out illogically in just this fashion.(65)” This quote can be read as a concealed criticism of Sor Filotea since Sor Juana is aware that she really is a man. This quote can apply to anyone whenever they feel a strong emotion. People don’t stop to think, they just act and do whatever their emotions tell them is the right thing to do.

“‘The advantages of intelligence are advantages of being.’… And thus, as no one wants to be less than another, no one will admit that another is more intelligent… (67)” I think that this is Sor Juana’s way of showing the importance of education for women. She continues to say that men are accepting when another man says that they are wealthier, nobler, etc, but they won’t stand to hear anyone say that they are more intelligent. She portrays the lack of education for women as another manner in which men keep them obedient and submissive.