The Answer/LA Respuesta: Including a Selection of Poems

Rating:
Summary: Suddenly, poetry makes sense
Review: I used this book for a Spanish literature course. Poetry was always difficult for me to understand and appreciate. However, I enjoyed reading the translations of Sor Juana's poetry. Sor Juana rocks! I learned how powerful poetry can be to express thoughts and feelings about society and oneself. The information provided by the authors about Sor Juana's life and their commentary on the poetry made it easier for me to understand. The translations are very well done. My favorite part is the in La Respuesta (p.77-81) where Sor Juana uses her vast knowledge of mythology, history, and the Bible as proof that women are strong and intelligent. Sor Juana uses Deborah, Queen of Sheba, Rahab, Esther, Xenobia, etc. as examples. I did not notice a loss of meaning which is the danger of translating literature that has complex meanings. After checking out Sor Juana and hearing Maya Angelou speak, I don't dismiss poetry so easily anymore. I recommend this book for the Comparative Literature, Spanish, Latin-American studies, and Feminist Studies majors.

Rating:
Summary: Suddenly, poetry makes sense
Review: I used this book for a Spanish literature course. Poetry was always difficult for me to understand and appreciate. However, I enjoyed reading the translations of Sor Juana's poetry. Sor Juana rocks! I learned how powerful poetry can be to express thoughts and feelings about society and oneself. The information provided by the authors about Sor Juana's life and their commentary on the poetry made it easier for me to understand. The translations are very well done. My favorite part is the in La Respuesta (p.77-81) where Sor Juana uses her vast knowledge of mythology, history, and the Bible as proof that women are strong and intelligent. Sor Juana uses Deborah, Queen of Sheba, Rahab, Esther, Xenobia, etc. as examples. I did not notice a loss of meaning which is the danger of translating literature that has complex meanings. After checking out Sor Juana and hearing Maya Angelou speak, I don't dismiss poetry so easily anymore. I recommend this book for the Comparative Literature, Spanish, Latin-American studies, and Feminist Studies majors.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best translations of Sor Juana's "Response."
Review: One of the finest recent translations of Sor Juana's "Response." The authors have done an outstanding job of translating and annotating the text. A "must read" for any Sor Juana scholar.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best translations of Sor Juana's "Response."
Review: One of the finest recent translations of Sor Juana's "Response." The authors have done an outstanding job of translating and annotating the text. A "must read" for any Sor Juana scholar.