“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” is a traditional nursery rhyme that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. The rhyme is based on the true story of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her parents with an ax in 1892. The rhyme’s usage is widespread, having been passed down through generations, and is often recited or sung with hand-clapping games. Its qualities include a catchy melody, simple language, and a haunting, repetitive structure, making it a memorable and enduring part of American folklore. Despite its dark inspiration, the rhyme has become a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the public’s fascination with true crime stories and the power of oral tradition.

Text: “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

Annotations: “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

Line	Analysis
“Lizzie Borden took an ax”	This line introduces the main subject of the nursery rhyme, Lizzie Borden, and sets the scene for the violent act that is to follow.
“And gave her mother forty whacks”	The imagery here suggests that Lizzie Borden used an ax to brutally murder her mother, delivering forty blows. The term “whacks” emphasizes the violent nature of the act.
“And when she saw what she had done”	This line implies that Lizzie Borden realized the consequences of her actions after murdering her mother, indicating a moment of realization or shock.
“She gave her father forty-one”	Following the pattern established in the previous line, Lizzie Borden proceeds to kill her father with even more blows, adding one more to the count, totaling forty-one.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

Device	Description
Alliteration	The repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity, as seen in ” She gave her father forty-one ” which creates a rhythmic and memorable effect.
Hyperbole	Hyperbole is evident in the exaggerated number of blows inflicted by Lizzie Borden: “forty whacks” on her mother and “forty-one” on her father. This amplifies the gruesome nature of the murders, emphasizing their shocking brutality.
Imagery	Vivid mental images are evoked, particularly in the descriptions of violence using the ax, contributing to the dark and unsettling tone of the nursery rhyme.
Personification	The ax is given agency and action, as if it is capable of making conscious decisions, in the phrase “Lizzie Borden took an ax.” This personification adds a sinister quality to the object, heightening its role in the violent acts depicted.
Repetition	The repetition of the word “forty” emphasizes the number of blows delivered by Lizzie Borden, intensifying the horror of the murders.
Rhyme	The rhyme scheme is AABB, with each pair of lines ending in words that sound similar (e.g., “ax” and “whacks,” “done” and “one”). This regular rhyme scheme contributes to the nursery rhyme’s sing-song quality, making it easier to remember while also reinforcing its macabre subject matter.
Symbolism	The ax serves as a symbol of violence and death throughout the nursery rhyme, representing Lizzie Borden’s murderous intentions and actions. Its repeated mention underscores its significance in the narrative, heightening its impact on the reader.

Themes: “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

• Theme 1: Violence and Aggression: The poem explores the theme of violence and aggression through the brutal actions of Lizzie Borden. The repetition of “forty whacks” and “forty-one” emphasizes the severity and intensity of the violence, creating a sense of shock and horror (lines 2 and 4). The use of an ax as a weapon also adds to the brutality and suddenness of the act. This theme is significant because it highlights the destructive nature of human behavior and the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression.
• Theme 2: Family Dynamics and Dysfunction: The poem also explores the theme of family dynamics and dysfunction through the relationship between Lizzie and her parents. The fact that Lizzie attacks both her mother and father suggests a deep-seated anger and resentment towards her family (lines 1 and 3). The violence may be seen as a manifestation of the emotional turmoil and tension within the family. This theme is significant because it highlights the complexities and challenges of family relationships and the potential consequences of unresolved conflicts.
• Theme 3: Madness and the Unreliability of Narrators: The poem’s tone and language suggest a sense of madness and unreliability, raising questions about the narrator’s perspective and Lizzie’s motivations. The use of a nursery rhyme-like structure and rhyme scheme creates a sense of playfulness and innocence, which contrasts with the brutality of the actions described (lines 1-4). This contrast may imply that the narrator is unreliable or that Lizzie’s actions were driven by a disturbed mind. This theme is significant because it highlights the complexity of human psychology and the potential for unexpected violence and madness to erupt in seemingly ordinary lives.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Reference from the Poem
Symbolism	The ax and whacks are symbols that represent the criminality of Lizzie Borden’s actions.	“Lizzie Borden took an ax / And gave her mother forty whacks”
Irony	The poem’s use of a nursery rhyme structure and rhyme scheme creates a sense of irony, as the subject matter is dark and violent.	“And when she saw what she had done, / She gave her father forty-one”
Feminist Theory	The poem can be seen as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women, as Lizzie Borden’s actions are seen as a rebellion against her patriarchal family structure.	“Lizzie Borden took an ax / And gave her mother forty whacks”

Critical Questions about “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

• How does the nursery rhyme “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” employ symbolism to convey its themes of violence and guilt?
• The repeated mention of the ax throughout the poem serves as a powerful symbol of both physical violence and psychological turmoil. The line “Lizzie Borden took an ax” not only introduces the instrument used in the murders but also symbolizes Lizzie’s agency and intent to commit the heinous acts. Additionally, the phrase “forty whacks” and “forty-one” symbolize the excessive brutality of the murders, indicating the depth of the violence inflicted upon Lizzie’s victims. Through these symbols, the poem explores themes of guilt, as Lizzie is depicted as both the perpetrator and the one who must confront the consequences of her actions, as evidenced by the line “And when she saw what she had done.” Thus, symbolism in the poem not only enriches its imagery but also deepens its exploration of complex themes.
• How does the use of repetition contribute to the ominous tone of “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”?
• The repetition of the word “forty” throughout the poem intensifies the sense of dread and horror surrounding the murders committed by Lizzie Borden. The phrase “forty whacks” emphasizes the sheer brutality of the violence inflicted upon Lizzie’s mother, while the subsequent “forty-one” adds an even more sinister dimension to the narrative. This repetition not only underscores the gruesome nature of the crimes but also creates a rhythmic cadence that amplifies the poem’s ominous atmosphere. By repeating the number of blows delivered by Lizzie, the poem accentuates the chilling reality of the murders and leaves a lasting impact on the reader, reinforcing the sense of foreboding that pervades the narrative.
• How does the nursery rhyme “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” challenge traditional notions of innocence and childhood?
• Despite its simplistic language and sing-song rhythm, the poem delves into dark and disturbing subject matter, blurring the lines between innocence and guilt. By centering the narrative around a young woman who commits violent acts, the poem subverts expectations of childhood innocence and highlights the capacity for evil within individuals, regardless of age. The juxtaposition of the nursery rhyme’s familiar structure with its macabre content creates a sense of unease, forcing readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature. Through its portrayal of Lizzie Borden’s crimes, the poem challenges conventional depictions of innocence in childhood literature and prompts reflection on the complexities of morality and human behavior.

Literary Works Similar to “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

1. “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” – a rhyme and children’s circle game.
2. “London Bridge is Falling Down” – this could be about a Viking attack in 1014, the difficulties associated with building the bridge, or even the burial of children under the bridge.
3. “Ring a Ring o’ Roses” – is usually interpreted as an allusion to the Black Death and the symptoms associated with the illness.
4. “Three Blind Mice” – a nursery rhyme and musical round.
5. “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary” – a nursery rhyme about Mary, Queen of Scots, and the beheading of her husband.

Suggested Readings: “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

• Miner, Madonne. ““Lizzie Borden took an ax”: Enacting blood relations.” Text and Performance Quarterly 6.2 (1986): 10-21.
• Schofield, Ann. “Lizzie Borden took an axe: history, feminism and American culture.” American Studies 34.1 (1993): 91-103.
• Annissa, Fitri. “Feminist Analysis of Lizzie Borden and Her Ambivalence in ‘Lizzie Borden Took An Ax’(2014) and ‘The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’(2015).”
• Herde, Gayle W. LIZZIE BORDEN TOOK AN AX AND GAVE HER LAWYER FORTY WHACKS: A GENERIC ANALYSIS OF THE CLOSING ARGUMENT FOR. Diss. University of Colorado at Denver, 1998.

Representative Quotations “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Lizzie Borden took an ax”	The opening line of the poem, introducing the main character and weapon.	Feminist Theory: Lizzie Borden’s actions can be seen as a rebellion against patriarchal society.
“And gave her mother forty whacks”	Lizzie’s violent act against her mother, emphasizing the severity of the crime.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Lizzie’s actions may be seen as a manifestation of unconscious desires and repressed emotions.
“And when she saw what she had done”	Lizzie’s realization of her actions, potentially indicating remorse or shock.	Guilt and Shame Theory: Lizzie’s actions may be driven by feelings of guilt and shame, leading to a cycle of violence.
“She gave her father forty-one”	Lizzie’s continued violence against her father, potentially indicating a desire for revenge or control.	Patriarchal Violence Theory: Lizzie’s actions may be seen as a response to the patriarchal violence and oppression she experienced in her family.