Reading Notes W2: Sor Juana Indes De La Cruz Poems, Part B

Reading Notes


Poem 145 (Page 262)

/This object which you see- a painted snare exhibiting the subtleties of art /
The author is describing how a portrait can ensnare one with its color, beauty, and technique. Art is flattering, but deceitful. There is a hidden mystery in art and the interpretation of what is seen is the beholders own. Yet, what the beholder sees is not the truth of the artist. 
/In which flattery has tried to overlook the horrors of the years and, conquering the ravages of time, to overcome oblivion and age/
A portrait has a way of deifying and challenging time. The poet is suggesting that the painting/portrait/art is just a trick of the eye.  The portrait is nothing more than a delusion. 

Poem 164 (Page 262)

/I wished you might look straight into my heart; and love, who was assisting my designs, succeeded in what seemed impossible./
Sor Juana, expresses her suspension of her lover cheating without words, hoping that he could feel and read the pain in her eyes. She wants her lover to realize without her causing contention that she suspects his unfaithfulness, even though she has no real evidence to support her women’s intuition. I wonder if it Sor Juana is saying that most women have these suspensions in their heart from past hurt. It’s not necessarily that her lover has done anything, but she desires to reassured of his love and faithfulness. 
/Enough unkindness now, my love, enough; don’t let these tyrant jealousies torment you or base suspicions shatter your repose with foolish shadows, empty evidence/ 

Poem 92 (Page 263-264)

The Philosophical Satire is straight forward in it’s resolve that men justify their behavior while ridicule the acts of women.  Sor Juana exposes the hypocrisy of men towards women.
/You combat their firm resistance, and then solemnly pronounce that what you’ve women through diligence is proof of women’s flightiness. /
Men have fought against women having a say in important matters, trying to keep women out of what society calls a man’s world. They have constantly resisted women’s efforts to be considered equal. Women have fought passionately and tirelessly against this bias. Yet men use it as proof that women are unstable.  Men do not realize they are the cause of the emotional instability when it comes to women. Their own inconsistencies and behavior causes women turmoil. 
/Whose behavior could be odder than that of a stubborn man who himself breathes on the mirror, and then laments it is not clear? /
Sor Juana also points out that the relationship between men and women is a complicated dance, and it takes two.  Who is to blame: Women who continue to give into the shenanigans of men? Or men who keep inviting women into the very foolery is tired of dealing with. 
/Or which is more greatly must be faulted though either may commit a wrong: she who sins for need of payment, or he who pays for this enjoyment? /  


 Author: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz 








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