A Study of Women's Intelligence in Moreto's No puede ser

Critics of Moreto commonly highlight his characteristic development of strong female characters and his tendency to prioritize reasoning over action. This article connects both tendencies by analyzing what I call "women's intellect" in the play No puede ser, in order to better understand Moreto's representation of women. In a world in which women are supposed to remain obedient and silent and in which action is reserved for men, Moreto presents women who, in order to fulfill their needs and desires without threatening the status quo, are forced to rely on their wits. The damas in No puede ser have intellectual abilities that surpass male understanding, not because they are superior, but simply because, as they point out, society has forced them to develop certain survival strategies. To all outward appearances they seem obedient and never lose their decorum, but, through the use of reason, they are able to figure out a way to impose their own will on a recalcitrant world.