Ep 4. This Lovely Torture

Juana Ines was a brilliant scholar, writer and intellectual, born in 17th century Mexico. She struggled to find her place in the world, especially as a woman, ultimately joining a convent where she continued to read and write in secret. Inspired by the life of the real Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, this show tells the story of Juana's journey towards a life of intellectual freedom and self-determination.

In episode 4, titled "This Lovely Torture", Juana is struggling to balance her desire for knowledge and personal growth with her obligations as a nun. Her mentor, Father Antonio, encourages her to focus on her studies and her spiritual life, but her hunger for learning is insatiable, and she often sneaks away to read books that are forbidden or discouraged by the church.

As Juana dives deeper into her studies, she becomes increasingly conflicted about her position within the convent. She forms close bonds with some of the other nuns, but resents the restrictions placed on her individuality and autonomy. At the same time, she wrestles with her own feelings of guilt and doubt, as she wonders if her pursuit of knowledge is leading her away from her faith.

Meanwhile, Juana's relationship with the wealthy and powerful Don Carlos continues to evolve. Their conversations become increasingly intimate and soul-searching, as they wrestle with questions of love, desire, and commitment. Juana is both drawn to and wary of Don Carlos, knowing that their relationship would be forbidden and dangerous, but feeling a powerful connection to him nonetheless.

These conflicting desires come to a head in a dramatic scene where Juana is forced to confront the consequences of her choices. As she struggles to reconcile her intellectual curiosity with her spiritual devotion, she must also confront the harsh realities of the world outside the convent, including poverty, injustice, and violence.

This episode is a gripping exploration of the tensions between knowledge and faith, freedom and obligation, and love and duty. As Juana faces increasingly difficult choices, viewers are drawn into a rich and complex world that challenges our assumptions about gender, power, and the pursuit of truth. With its strong characters, beautiful cinematography, and nuanced storytelling, Juana Ines is a compelling drama that you won't want to miss.