Juana May 2026

Known as the "Tenth Muse" and the first feminist of the Americas, she was a Mexican nun, scholar, and poet who defied 17th-century norms.

Juana is a name shared by several iconic historical figures, literary characters, and modern cultural icons. Depending on your interest, you might be looking for information on a 17th-century feminist nun, a tragic Spanish queen, or a key character in literature. Known as the "Tenth Muse" and the first

She entered the convent specifically to avoid marriage and gain the freedom to study. By age three, she could read, and as a teen, she astounded a panel of 40 scholars with her knowledge. She entered the convent specifically to avoid marriage

Her most famous work is Primero Sueño ("First Dream"), a philosophical poem about the soul's quest for knowledge. Her letter, Respuesta a Sor Filotea ("Reply to

Her letter, Respuesta a Sor Filotea ("Reply to Sister Filotea"), is considered a foundational feminist manifesto defending women's right to education. 2. Juana of Castile (1479–1555) Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz | The Poetry Foundation