In Search of Lizzie Borden: Between Fact and Fiction
In Search of Lizzie Borden: Between Fact and Fiction
Author(s): Jelena Knežević, Aleksandra Nikčević-Batrićević Subject(s): Criminal Law, Sociology of Culture, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Academia Română – Centrul de Studii Transilvane
Keywords: Lizzie Borden; literary representation; true crime; crime fiction;
Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses the representation of Lizzie Borden in true-crime and crime-fiction prose texts, as well as in a stage production. It centers on the hypothesis of sociocultural aspects which constitute the accounts written about her and feminist readings. Regardless of genre, these narratives portray Lizzie Borden in various ways—from a female tormenter to a guilt-free spinster. Both true-crime books and crime-fiction novels, together with the ballet, are modified by sociocultural factors and are also subject to intertextuality. In addition, the lines between fiction and non-fiction literary works of primary concern are blurred.
Journal: Transylvanian Review
- Issue Year: XXXII/2023
- Issue No: 3
- Page Range: 109-139
- Page Count: 31
- Language: English
