Poe Meets Fuller

Edgar Allan Poe and Margaret Fuller were at the height of their literary careers in 1845, but a strained and begrudging respect existed between them. Poe had stated that humanity consisted of Men, Women -- and Margaret Fuller, and Fuller constantly chided Poe about his public flirtation with a married woman.

On Aug. 19, 2010, the two antagonists came forward in time some 165 years, and continued to bicker and gossip at Concord's Old Manse about the literary world and transcendentalism in 1845. The local populace keenly anticipated the confrontation between two of America's greatest nineteenth century minds, and they came to the Old Manse in large numbers to witness verbal reposts, rebuttals, sarcasms and accusatory rumormongering at their very best!

The audience started to assemble just after 6pm for the 7 pm discussion between the two writers. In addition, large numbers also took advantage of special, Margaret Fuller themed tours around the Old Manse conducted by historical interpreter Kristi Martin, a doctoral student researching transcendentalism at Boston University. In this bi-centennial year of Margaret Fuller's birth, Kristi has skillfully taken on Fuller's character before, conducting costumed tours of a home which Margaret Fuller thoroughly enjoyed visiting during Nathaniel Hawthorne's tenure. However, on this particular evening, Jessa Piaia took on the Fuller role.

A road accident had delayed the start but at 7:20 pm, Margaret Fuller strode up to the event tent with confident aplomb, and with her long black dress sweeping along the grass to address the 130 expectant spectators. The audience's tangible anticipation, the descending twilight, the summer evening's heat, and the romantic and beautiful setting created a perfect backdrop to what followed.

Margaret spoke of her current life in Manhattan, and reminisced about her previous visits to Concord to meet Emerson and Hawthorne. She then retired to the 'Rock' on the Manse grounds to "write poetry during the magnificent twilight hour." Then Rob Velella's Edgar entered to a rapturous applause, to recite 'The Raven' "Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, inthere stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore."

Fuller re-entered the scene with solitary claps to praise Poe's ability, but she was sure to remind him that he wrote poetry better than he wrote prose! For the remainder of the discussion the pair exchanged retorts, rebuttal, gossip, innuendo, shared insights, and praise. Moreover, of course, there was extensive audience participation, consisting of boos, hisses, cheering and standing ovations – depending in which camp you stood!

There then followed a lively question and answer session, followed by a stimulating social gathering where Margaret and Edgar mingled among the guests. It was a wonderful evening, unspoiled by a rapid nightfall and the odd mosquito. It ended with a final and atmospheric tour of the Old Manse. Margaret and Edgar promised to return to the Old Manse, but before then, they will take up arms on Oct. 14 at the Somerville Public Library at 7 p.m..

Historical re-enactors Rob Velella and Jessa Piaia skillfully and entertainingly played the Fuller and Poe parts in what truly turned out to be a Poefullerpalooza Fest!