Pues estoy condenada

What it is

This is a poem by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, written in Spanish, in which the speaker addresses a figure named Fabio, pleading against a harsh judgment and reflecting on loyalty, suspicion and love. The poem is preserved among her collected works on Wikisource.

Why it matters

Sor Juana often wrote in the voice of lovers and used courtly love conventions common in her time, even though she herself was a nun. This poem shows her mastery of dramatic, emotional verse and her engagement with the literary traditions of colonial Mexican society.

Look closer

• How does the speaker try to defend herself against unfair accusations?
• What does the poem suggest about trust and suspicion between lovers?
• Why might Sor Juana have written in the voice of a wronged lover despite her religious life?