Hombres Necios by Sor Juana - Essay Example

Hombres Necios by Sor Juana The poem “Hombres Necios” was written in the seventeenth century by Sor Juana to illuminate on oppression of women by men. The title “Hombres Necios” which is also the starting line of the poem, is in Spanish whose translation is ‘foolish men’. Sor Juana was a nun and a renowned poet for her poems pointing out on the evils of the society. Nonetheless, the poem “Hombres Necios” is popular especially in the study of issues pertaining to gender equality and rise of feminism.

This is because the poem is in defense of women with an argument that men are quick to judge and blame women for their faults. However, Sor Juana argues that these faults are caused by men themselves. This is seen in the first stanza of the poem where she argues that men wrongly accuse women forgetting that they are the ones to blame for the emergent faults.During the writing of the poem in the seventeenth century, gender equality was a main issue though it was hardly spoken about. Nonetheless, the poem gives a reflection of the scenario during this period while simultaneously condemning men’s actions against women.

For example, the poem uses a relationship approach to show the inequality and atrocities committed to women. In every step of the relationship from courtship to the course of the relationship, men always strive to win and do not take responsibility for any fault at all but rather blame women. Generally, although Sor Juana argues for women, she does use the term ‘we’ in the entire poem. Additionally, the poem is arguably easy to understand owing to the short stanzas, four lines each, and the recurrence of the message.

Although Sor Juana was from Mexico, the poem gives a reflection of the general societal setting in Latin America. During this period women’s voice and contributions to the society were limited with only two opportunities as either housewives or nuns. Although nuns enjoyed some privileges such as learning, they were still held back by the limitations imposed on women. As such, Sor Juana’s poem critiquing men was a bold move from a woman making her one of the first pioneers of feminism. Considering the odds against women, it is only logical to ask what motivated her.

Did other women approve of her ways? More importantly, did her efforts bear any fruits? Additionally, the poem is relatable to the modern society where issues revolving around gender equality are still imminent. Gender inequality is not only an issue in Latin America but rather a global issue.