The philologist Jorge Gutiérrez: 'It is the time in history to read Sor Juana as a woman'
Philologist Jorge Gutiérrez emphasizes the importance of recognizing Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz's work through a feminist lens, arguing that historical perceptions have often neglected her femininity.
Jorge Gutiérrez, a philologist and specialist in Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, argues that it's time to reevaluate her literary contributions from a feminist perspective rather than viewing her as an 'abstract soul' or a woman who 'played at being a man'. He suggests that recognizing her work through her own femininity allows for a more profound understanding of her contributions to literature and her importance in the context of women's roles in history.
Gutiérrez points out that historically, critiques of her renowned work 'Primero Sueño' focused on the fact that it was authored by a woman, which has overshadowed her literary accomplishments. He believes that the current century, marked by the advancements of feminism, is particularly suitable for reassessing Sor Juana's legacy. He stresses that her literary output should be seen as a tribute to her identity as a woman in a male-dominated society, highlighting that her writings should reflect her personal experience and strength as a female author.
Furthermore, Gutiérrez discusses the significance of crediting those in New Spain who edited her works for dissemination in Europe. This aspect underscores the efforts made to ensure that Sor Juana's writings reached a broader audience, despite the challenges posed by her gender at the time. His recent book, 'La invención de Sor Juana', delves deeper into these dimensions, aiming to encourage readers to appreciate Sor Juana not just as an author but as a woman who navigated and contributed to her world with resilience and authenticity.