The American woman in fact and fiction; Episode 7 of 13

The following program is produced and recorded in the studios of KPFA Berkeley California under a grant from the Educational Television and Radio Center in cooperation with the National Association of educational broadcasters. We present the American woman in fact in fiction from Colonial Times to the present day. A series of 13 programs written and directed by Virginia Maynard and produced by Virginia Maynard and Charles Levy part 7 on 19th century Minerva. Margaret Fuller the early 19th century feminist writer is remembered today more for the life she lived and the things that have been written about her than for anything she herself wrote. In a day when women for the most part limited their intellectual pursuits the perusal of the cook book kind of like novels. She was an accepted member of the our vanguard transcendental a circle of Boston and Concord which included such men as Emerson the RO and William Henry Channing and even in this distinguished company she was acclaim for her intellectual genius. She was editor with Emerson of the Transcendentalist publication the dial. She was for some years a literary

critic and foreign correspondent for Horace Greeley's liberal New York Tribune and in 1844 she published her woman in the nineteenth century. The first comprehensive argument for a woman's rights written by an American which brought her fame at home and abroad. And yet she herself wrote of George Sand whom she greatly admired. Her very existence proved the need of some new interpretation of woman's rights more than anything she wrote. Such beings as these she said ought not to find themselves by birth in a place so narrow that by breaking bonds they become outlaw. Yes. For as Kathryn Anthony points out in her able work about her Margaret Fuller was in this sense also an outlaw. She was hedged about writes Miss Anthony by a prejudice and misinterpretation which assume the character of a social boycott. She shared the fate of every famous woman from Stoffel onward who has set an example of emancipation for those sects. Yet the very proportions of Margaret's uncompromising

rebellion against the conventions of her time around as the interest of not always the sympathy of those who knew her. And this included the men of letters every day. Two prominent novelists Oliver Wendell Holmes and Nathaniel Hawthorne made an interpretation of Margaret's personality the chief concern of one of their works. Each of these writers made is Margaret inspired character a strange mixture of good and evil. The early 19th century might be intrigued with the concept of intellectual woman but it could not resist the idea that a woman who had obtained knowledge had tasted of forbidden fruit. The setting of Hawthorne's work the blah is the old romance is the Brook Farm community near Roxbury Massachusetts. A social mistake back to nature project of the transcendentalists of 1840 which Hawthorne renamed life Dale for the purposes of his novel. Margaret Fuller appears as the central figures in Obeah much changed in Hawthorne's romantic imagination but still recognizably Margaret Fuller the Brook

Farm experiment was a failure. And in the novel Hawthorne parallels the failure of this utopian venture to establish a true brotherhood among human beings with a failure of woman's idealistic dream of being accepted on terms of equality with men. We present now a scene arranged from the latter part of Hawthorne's life Dail romance. Live Dale was no longer what it had been. Everything was suddenly faded. The sun burnt and dried aspect of our woods and pastures beneath the August sky did but imperfectly symbolized the lack of due and moisture that since yesterday as it had light in the noble purpose and strong conviction of this little colony of men and women who only last spring had set out with such high resolve upon its search for a better system of society. My relations with those I had

been closest to had lived day in was somewhat strained though we still clung to the outward forms of friendship. I had quarrelled with Hollings Well when I found that he was aiming a death blow at our little project by plotting to obtain without the knowledge of his fellow workers. The very ground on which we had planted our community and by planning to adapt what we had already achieved there to his own in use for the furtherance of his philanthropic scheme. I knew he could derive the enormous capital essential to his plan from only one source from Zenobia and I could not understand how she with her fine intellect would certainly surpass that of any woman of the age would lend herself to such an ignoble purpose. Of course I realize that she was in love with him. She and Hollingsworth had been constant companion since the earliest days of our little venture. Indeed the entire community had long since set them down as a pair of lovers. But of late it Hollingsworth had seemed to avoid Zenobia. He was devoting

all his attention to the maiden Priscilla who alone among the members of our little colony seemed to grow fresher and more spirited the while the rest of us became the more arid than depressed Zenobia looked anything but pleased with the sudden show of tenderness of Hollingsworth to Priscilla but to tell the truth I saw no occasion to give myself any trouble on her account. In this respect with an Obi as inward strength an experience of the world she could not be supposed to need any help of mine. It was for little Priscilla that I was troubled. What would she do when Hollingsworth turned away from her. For it was certain that she had long since flung her heart in the dust at his feet. That last Sabbath afternoon at Blythe Dayo the four of us Hollingsworth Zenobia Priscilla and myself had wandered for as was our custom for a ramble in the fields and woods beyond the pasture Hollingsworth silent and morose was walking with great strides somewhat in advance of the newbie and myself. Priscilla was skipping and dancing along keeping abreast of Hollingsworth who occasionally

threw a word or glance in her direction. In return for some merry Sally from herself. When we reached the woods these two ahead were lost to us from time to time. And Zenobia and I slowing our pace began to talk on our two favorite subjects. Poetry. I am a poet and women Zenobia special sphere Zenobia glanced ahead where for a moment we had a glimpse of Priscilla's white dress as she flitted along the winding path among the trees. What do you think of our Priscilla now Miles Coverdale. Is she not worth a verse or two from you. Yes she deserves some verses one from a better poet than myself. She is the very picture of New England spring. She is much merrier of late than when she came here. She thinks this place is just paradise and all of us particularly Mr Hollingsworth and myself such angels. It's quite ridiculous and provokes one's malice almost to see a creature so happy especially a feminine creature.

Women are always happier than men. I think you must correct that impression Coverdale rational thinking lack poetic insight. Did you ever see a happy woman in your life. Priscilla is after all a very young woman with little experience of life. How can any woman be happy after she discovers that fate has assigned her but one event which you must contrive to make the substance of her whole existence. A man has his choice of innumerable events. Oh you must not forget. But when a woman grows weary of one of them there always are household duties to absolve her of the softer sex. Take a domestic and indoor part of the business as a matter of course to bake to boil to roast to fry it is to do or should iron and scrub and sweep and at our idler intervals to repose ourselves on living and sewing just as we do it by Dale pon my word I find very little difference in women's occupations years from those of the outside world. What remedy do you suggest you know be well by and by perhaps when our individual adaptations begin to

develop themselves here. It may be that some of us wear the petticoat will go afield and leave us weaker bretheren to take our places in the kitchen. Indeed the National said about it wants to prove myself one of the stronger brethren. I walk the portion of your household duties but to go back to Priscilla. I for one think she knows quite well what one event in life will be and is quite happy in the knowing she is content with woman's lot. If my eyes do not deceive me. Poor child. Perhaps you're right but I confess I do not see how any woman can be content to be a soft reflection of a man's more powerful existence. I could not endure it for an instant. I should never marry if I weren't certain I should be treated as an equal and be able to keep my self-respect and independence. What says Hollingsworth to this. Why forgive me Zenobia but such a close friend as I have been to you cannot help seeing where your interest lies Hollingsworth well knows my mind upon this subject.

Listen I'll tell you something covered though so far it's been a secret between Hollingsworth myself here when I return to Boston which will not be long. I plan to do a series of lectures on women's rights only to women of course I'm not yet bold enough to try speaking before a mixed audience that will come later. Discussion. Cell call them conversations for all the women eager to learn and to express themselves that I can gather together. Oh I know I'll probably do most of the talking myself you know how I love an audience but I'll try to draw the others out and encourage them to put to use what they've learned. Not that they've been taught a great deal with the superficial educations women receive. But I want them to learn to develop their intellects. I'm tired of being known as a woman who has surpassed her sex or is the most brilliant woman of the age. I tell you Coverdale there are thousands of women who are eager and anxious to learn more than household duties or to be the handmaidens of men shall you encourage them to demand their political rights as well. I believe women should have

every privilege that man has acquired for himself. But what I most greatly concerned with is for the broadest possible development intellectually socially politically morally and emotionally yes I believe women should have emotional rights as well as economic and political rights. Don't you agree with me. I think I do but I cannot believe that Hollingsworth would countenance these things. Not since you've quarreled with him you've grown unfair to him. What makes you say this. I don't believe that Hollingsworth would tolerate one instant any opinion which varied in a out of his own life. Nay let me speak. I believe this man to be a supreme egotist who has become so bound up in the furtherance of his own philanthropic scheme that not only would he not tolerate any idea at variance with his own he would not allow any man or woman to be as friend who would not sacrifice himself completely to this one end of his and minister to his terrible egotism. I know this from experience and all the other

Hollingsworth is so consumed by his passion for reform that he has nothing left to spare for tolerance for love of God or man. Scarcely for individual attachment give him but silent admiration as does wise little Priscilla nod yes to everything he says and help him realize is Dream by devoting your life to Him and doing as he bids every step of the way. This is what Hollingsworth demands. Ha you have bitter cavity. Will also give you that. Since he has turned from you but you don't understand. It's through these lectures in my books and writings that I can help the most. His plan needs money. Yes you don't yet know that I am poor. All the world believes that I'm wealthy and so I was I believed until three days ago. But now I've learned my money has been cut off from me. But how. All no matter how it's not important.

But I am penniless Hollingsworth will have no fortune at his disposal for the further into his plan. He indeed he does that does much to explain his frame of mind of late. Of course it was a blow to him but he will rally. That's why I'm so anxious to get back to town begin working again. But his recent strange preoccupation with Purcell or does this not trouble you troubled me. Oh Coverdale Well Priscilla is a child an adoring child. She follows him about like a devoted dog and every time he opens his mouth she gasps in wonder Hollingsworth love there is a brother might he considers it is duty to take care of her I suppose because it is so apparent she would never be able to take care of herself and she's so happy always she choose him in this black Moodys Binion and is this all the noble of Priscilla's not such a child as you believe. Do you not see that such a man as Hollingsworth in his present state might

turn to such a woman as Priscilla for consolation. Do you not fear not its comedy. You're a presumptuous fool. You think that Hollingsworth might decide Hollingsworth couldn't spend his life with an inferior Zenobia I have made you angry. Believe me I spoke only as your friends. But quiet here they are just around the turn beside the great rock. Yes they're waiting for us. Now you shall see Miles Coverdale that Hollingsworth is made of no such stuff as you assume. Sure you Coverdale come join him. Well Hollingsworth Priscilla weary already from your ramblings Mr Hollingsworth was tired. He likes to sit here by Elliot's hope it seems as good a place as any other to spend a Sabbath afternoon join a sonobuoy Coverdale that suit you. Yes do sit downs you know beyond just a mess to cover do you. Please sit down.

Thank you Purcell Well Hollingsworth will you not climb up into the pulpit and preach to us today as you have so often done before about your project. Now not today Coverdale I fear that I'm not in the proper frame of mind to be a man to be asked to make a speech upon one's favorite topic. And to know the luxury of being able to decline because one is not in the proper frame of mind. Though it excites my envy that I cannot speak to the world at large but must confine myself to addressing women when I lecture. Simply because I happen to be of the female sex. I suppose I would have multiple but now make a speech this moment. What would you now Zenobia become a stump orators. Why not my friend. Women deserve such freedom surely. Yes if I live another year I shall lift up my voice in behalf of women's wider liberty. And from a stump if necessary he eloquent Zenobia behold here is a woman whom you smile miles Coverdale.

Have I not said the proper thing. Or do you find the thought of woman's liberty ridiculous. I will give you leave the noble to fling your utmost scorn upon me if you ever hear me out a sentiment unfavorable to the wildest liberty which woman has yet dreamed of. I would give her all she asks and a great deal more. Which if they were generous and wise would grant of their own free motion for instance I should love dearly for the next thousand years at least to have all government devolve into the hands of women. I hate to be ruled by my own sex. It wounds my pride. How sweet how free the generous courtesy with which I would need will be for a woman ruler and key to you might any of you might if the woman were young and beautiful but how if she was 60 in a fright. It is YOU that rate womanhood low but let me go out in the better order of things. I would also grant that the ministry of souls may be left in charge of women at the gates of the blasted city will be thronged with the multitude

that enter in. When that day comes that task belongs to woman God meant it for her. Oh he hasn't dolled her with a religious sentiment in its utmost depth and purity refined from that gross intellectual lawyer stoppit Coverdale. But what you're doing to Priscilla. Why what is it for Priscilla. Why this trouble in your eyes. I cannot think that this is true. I'm sure I do not wish it to be true. Poor child she is the type of womanhood such as man has spent centuries in making it. He is never content unless you can degrade himself by stooping toward what he loves. Denying us our rights to betrays even more blindness to his own interests. The district God of ours is this true. Mr Hollingsworth is it all true that Mr. Coverdale and Zenobia have been say no for so long they have neither of them spoken one word yet. Hollingsworth that is ungrateful. You despise woman despise her. No she is

the most admirable handiwork of God in her place and character places that man side her office that of the sympathizer the unreserved unquestioning believer the recognition withheld in every other manner but given in pity through woman's heart lest man should not only lose faith in himself. The echo of God's own voice pronouncing it is well done. All the separate action of woman is false foolish vain destructive of their own best and holiest qualities. Man is a wretch without woman but a woman needs a monster without manners or acknowledged principle as cruel as I once had a mother whom I loved. Were there any possible prospect of woman's taking the social stand which some of them poor miserable of abortive creatures of only dream of such things because they have this woman's peculiar happiness. If there was a chance of their attaining the end which these petticoated monstrosities have in view I would call upon my own sex to use

its physical force to scourge them back within their probable outcomes. But it will not be needful the heart of true womanhood knows where its own sphere is and never seeks to stray beyond it. Come Brazil or let us leave this place and it is not fit that you should hear such sentiments as these two have been uttering. In Heaven's name Hollingsworth What does a you Coverdale and myself spoke happen. Yes you do not jest. But why do you speak of a sudden never done so before within my hearing and you've often heard my views expressed. No I have not spoken my mind to you before but I have heard and judged you. And now I will hear no more of what you have to say. Come little research LET US goal. This is very good. What strange beings men are to bring a woman to their secret tribunals and judge and condemn her unheard and then bitter go forth without a sentence.

Are you coming over Mr Hollingsworth. What means this Hollingsworth. Do we part so. And why not. What is there further to be said between us. Well perhaps nothing but we have come many many times before to this grey rock and we have talked very softly here among the whispering of the birch trees and now in return for all these pleasant hours I desire to ask you a few questions before these witnesses. First did you suppose me wealthy. On that point I have had the opinion which the world held and your acquaintance with the fact that I am not is of the same date as is my own. You're aware also of the disposition which I purposed making for the larger portion of my imaginary opulence. I was willing to realize your dream freely fully and heedless though it should prove the ruin of my fortune and while I was so willing and believe that I could do so you valued me or seemed to.

Now I am nothing. One other question Do you love this girl Priscilla and you asked me that question but a short time since I should have told you know I love Priscilla as a brother might. What is your answer now as well to Clara DOS as in any other way. I do love her now. God do judge between us which of us two is most mortally offended him. At least I am a woman with every thought it may be that a woman ever had but still a woman. A creature whom only a little change of earthly fortune might have made me all a woman can be. But how is it with you. Are you a man. No but a monster a cold heartless self beginning and self bending piece of mechanism with what then you would charge me. Show me one selfish end it is all self. Nothing but self. I see it now I am awake disenchanted disenthrall of them bodied yourself in a project to see

whither it has brought you. First you aimed a death blow with the scheme of a purer and higher life at our community year and by the then because Coverdale could not be your slave. You threw him ruthlessly away and you took me too into your plan. As long as there was any hope of my being of use to you and now fling me aside again. But for most and blackest of your sins you are ready to sacrifice this girl whom you love and you knew worship you. You know or that you might obtain money for your party. This is a woman's view. Our woman's whose whole sphere of action is in our heart and you can conceive of no high oh no. Why don't wan be silent. You know neither man nor woman. Yet most the committee said in your behalf is that a great heart has been ruined in your breast by what you deem your noble purpose in life. Now leave me. You've done with me and I with you. Priscilla come Zenobia. Priscilla he is waiting for you. Go to him. Say no.

Do you forgive me. Poor little thing. You've been my evil fate. But there never was a babe with less strength to do any injury. We think you have a melancholy lot before you sitting all alone in yon wide cheerless hawked where for aught you know the fire which you have kindled may soon go out. Oh the thought makes me shiver for you. What will you do Priscilla when you fly know Spock among the ashes show during his interview. That was where there was all a woman in your little compass my poor child. Meanwhile go with him and live to rise you know. Zenobia is it you Miles Coverdale. I perceive what you're about.

You're turning this whole affair into a ballad of harsh than Obeah Heaven knows what an ape because in my soul is genuine tragedy is it not. And you're willing to allow perhaps that I've had hard measure. But it's a woman's do and I've deserved it like a woman. So let there be no pity is on my part there should be no complaint. But Mr. Coverdale by all means write this ballad and turn your sympathy to good account. As for the moral distill it into the final stanza and a drop of bitter honey. What shall the moral be use and OBL. A very old one will serve the purpose. There are no new truths. Much as we have prided ourselves on finding some. A moral Why is this that in the battlefield of life the downright stroke that would fall only on a man's head piece is sure to light out a woman's heart and whose wisdom therefore is to keep out of the conflict. Or this that the whole Universe her own sex and yours and Providence and

destiny to boot makes common cause against the woman who swerves one hair's breadth out of the beaten track. This last is to stir in a more kind of soften it a little. Do it at your own peril. Not on my responsibility. After all he has flung away whatever it is served him better than the poor pale flower he kept. What can Priscilla do for him. But warm into his heart when he should be chilled with frozen hopes strengthen his hands when they're weary with much doing you know performance. No only favor him with her blind instinctive love and hang her little puny weakness for a drag upon his own will He never in many an hour of darkness need that intellectual sympathy which he might have had from me. Hollingsworth. Where will he find it now. Hollingsworth needs no sympathy he has a heart of ice.

You do him no wrong. Presume not to estimate a man like Hollingsworth. Miles covered him well Zenobia can I do you any service. Very little but it's my purpose as you may well imagine to remove myself from blithely a woman in my position you understand. Feel scarcely If you're easy among her former friends. She would modify herself I suppose with foolish notions of having sacrificed the honor of her sex at the foot of proud card to make this man of womanhood with its rights and wrongs here will be matter of my course of lectures at the idea of which you smiled a while ago. The rights of women women possess no rights. Well no matter but I will depart without seeing Hollingsworth again. I entreat you to be a messenger between us. Willingly Zenobia What is the message true. What is it after all I hardly know. Tell him

anything you please tell me has murdered me. Tell him I will haunt him and bid him no bid Priscilla wear this flower for Zenobia say she will make it soft and gentle a wife as the veriest Blue Beard could desire. Now farewell miles Coverdale Zenobia Whither are you going. No matter where. But I'm weary of this place and sick to death of playing at philanthropy in progress. I'm done with that life. They always find another woman to superintend the laundry. It was indeed a foolish dream. Yet it gave us some pleasant summer days and bright hopes while they lasted. You can do no more no will as a veil is to shed tears over a broken bubble. Here is my hand. Covered it there where your hand is what can be the reason the extremities diversed they say.

And so you can use this poor despised rejected him. Well my dear friend I thank you. You have reserved your homage for the fallen once more. Farewell. This is been a specially arranged radio version of a scene from Nathaniel Hawthorne's Blytheville romance which was published in 1852. That was part seven of the American woman in fact and fiction from Colonial Times to the present day. A series of 13 programs written and directed by Virginia Maynard. The cast included Charles Levy Martin punch Virginia Maynard and Ulam Cortright engineering was by David L. Talcott the American woman in fact and fiction was produced and recorded in the studios of KPFA Berkeley California under a grant from the Educational Television and Radio Center and is being distributed by

the National Association of educational broadcasters. This is the energy B Radio Network.