Frederick Douglass once said: "Where justice is denied, where poverty is imposed, where ignorance prevails, and where a class is made to believe that society is organized" conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe” (Brainy Quotes 1). Many people believe that for society to be safe and homeostatic, economics and irrational mindsets must change. Before comparing Frederick Douglass and Sor Juana de la Cruz, brief summaries of the literary works "Reply to Sor Filotea de la Cruz" and Account of the Life of Frederick Douglass will be provided. Sor Juana de la Cruz and Frederick Douglass have many similarities and notable differences. The comparisons that will be discussed are based on the following human conditions; fear, identity and time period. Sor Juana de la Cruz was born into a wealthy family in 1648 who lived near Mexico City, Mexico. After being part of the viceregal court and lady-in-waiting, Cruz began her spiritual journey and entered a convent. Here Cruz explores both secular and non-secular studies. She is an exceptionally talented writer with a passion for reading, learning, and writing. She is scolded for the information she writes and told to focus solely on religious dogma. Soon after the bishop of Pubela reads one of her letters, he publishes it (without her knowledge) and she responds with a respectful but sarcastic letter (Lawall and Chinua 155-156). Cruz's “Reply to Sor Filotea de la Cruz” was written during the period of the European Enlightenment (1660-1770). This era in Europe cast a dark shadow over women's rights to education and self-expression. Sor Juana's piece, however, is both inspiring and empowering...... middle of paper ......and Frederick Douglass. Atlanta: Kessinger Publishing, 2008. 8. Print. "Frederick Douglass Quotes." ThinkYouExist. 2012. Network. 16 April 2012. Fulton, Terry. “The Church in the Age of Enlightenment and Revolution”. Verbal consciousness. March 2012. Web. April 16, 2012. Lawall, Sarah and Chinua Achebe. The Norton Anthology: World Literature. Shorter second edition. 2. New York: WW Norton & Company Inc., 2009. 157. Print."The Emancipation Proclamation." The Center for Legislative Archives. The National Archives and Records Administration of the United States. 2012. Network. 16 April 2012. < .