Sor Juana Day Two

"Well, and what then shall I tell you, my Lady, of the secrets of nature that I have learned while cooking? I observe that an egg becomes solid and cooks in butter or oil, and so on the contrary that it dissolves in sugar syrup. Or again, that sugar will flow freely one need only add the slightest bit of water that has held quince or some other sour fruit. The yolk and white of that very same egg are of such a contrary nature that when eggs are used as sugar, each part separately may be used perfectly well, yet they cannot be mixed together. I shall not weary you with such inanities, which I relate to give you a full account of my nature, and I believe this will make you laugh. But in truth, my Lady, what can we women know, save philosophies of the kitchen. It was well put by Lupercio Leonardo that one can philosophize quite well while preparing supper.I often say when I make these little observations, "Had Aristotle cooked, he would have written a great deal more." I declare that all this is so continual in me that I have no need for books."
     In this paragraph she is using the skills that 'all women should know' and showing that even while she is cooking, she is philosophizing. Even without books or the means to learn, she can learn through observation. Not only does she know what women are supposed to know, she credits it to helping her learn. If Aristotle had cooked (a great philosopher) he would have written more. Cooking (a woman's job) helped her to learn. She also shows her intelligence (and humility) by even mentioning Aristotle. The fact that she knows such a great philosopher shows how learned she is. I also liked how she says that she won't bore "her lady" with the talk of cooking. Not only is she learned and a keen observant, she can cook! This is just another way she shows her intelligence along with humility (and sarcasm).

"Nevertheless the many books that I have read have not failed to help me, both in sacred as well as secular letters. For there I see a Deborah issuing laws, military as well as political,and governing the people among whom there were so many learned men. I see the exceedingly knowledgeable Queen of Sheba, so learned she dares to test the wisdom of the wisest of all wise men with riddles, without being rebuked for it; indeed, on this very account she is to become judge of the unbelievers. I see so many and such significant women: some adorned with the gift of prophecy, like an Abigail; others, of persuasion, like Esther; others, of piety, like Rahab; others, of perseverance, like Anna the mother of Samuel; and others, infinitely more, with other kinds of qualities and virtues." 
     First, she mentions how she has read many books, further showing her intelligence, which have helped her in her letter writing. She blatantly goes into conversation about women who make political and military laws, women who have are persuasive, who persevere, and with "other kinds of qualities and virtues." Women are capable people, the Queen of Sheba made laws. Women are full of admirable qualities (one even tested the wisest of men. Women are capable of standing up for themselves. By mentioning these women, she is also (again) showing her intelligence. The fact that she knows of all these women shows her education and that she is well-read.