Juana's father (a Spanish military captain), left her and her family early on in her life. Her mother, Dona Isabel, had to raise her three daughters on her own. They lived a comfortable life because of Juana's grandparent's Spanish decent.
Dona Isabel was a good example for her daughters and encouraged their smart minds, especially Juana, because of this Juana became so confident and intelligent. She studied in her grandfathers private library which is where she learned Latin and Nahuatl (Aztec language).
Because of her knowledge, she captured the attention of the royal court in Mexico City. At only the age of 16 she became the Viceroys lady in waiting . This gave her poetry the spotlight.
You Foolish Men
She turned to the church and became a nun so she could continue living her life, independent and unmarried, at age 20. She joined the Hieronymite Convent of Santa Paula where she was very respected and wrote dramas, philosophy, mathematics, music and of course poetry.
Her poem "You Foolish Men" , brought up controversy but also brought her many proposals that she didn't want. Knowledge attracted her more than marriage did.
The church criticized and rejected her opinions, which pushed her to stop writing. In 1693 at age 45 she stopped writing.
She passed away having caught the plague from her sister nuns, while she was treating them.