Lizzie Borden Took an Axe
By Anonymous
Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks,
And when she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.
Summary of “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe”
This concise poem retells the infamous 1892 case of Lizzie Borden, accused—though ultimately acquitted—of murdering her parents. It exists as a piece of popular folklore, not a historical record, and distills a grim event into a simple, memorable quatrain. Its continued appeal stems from its rhythmic quality and ease of recall, despite the disturbing subject matter. It has become a well known, often chilling, element of children’s lore, frequently recited as a macabre rhyme.
The poem’s core idea centers around a shocking act of violence, parricide and matricide, presented in an unnervingly straightforward manner. The poem’s tone, surprisingly light and rhythmic, creates a stark contrast with the violent act itself, contributing to its unsettling impact. It does not attempt to explain or justify the violence, but rather simply presents it as a done deed.
Analysis of “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe”
The poem’s power lies in its stark simplicity and directness. The opening line, “Lizzie Borden took an axe,” immediately establishes the subject and the instrument of violence, setting the stage for the horrific events to follow. There is no preamble, no foreshadowing—just the blunt statement of action.
The subsequent lines, “And gave her mother forty whacks,” and “She gave her father forty-one,” amplify the brutality through chilling repetition and the use of specific, quantifiable numbers. The sheer number of blows is shocking, creating a visceral image of relentless violence. The phrasing is remarkably detached, presenting the acts as matter-of-fact events rather than emotional outbursts. This detachment is a key element in the poem’s unsettling quality.
Notice how the poem deliberately avoids any exploration of motive or emotion. There is no hint of why Lizzie might have committed such a terrible act, nor any indication of her feelings before, during, or after the event. The focus remains solely on the act of violence itself. This lack of context forces the reader to confront the raw brutality without the benefit of mitigating factors or psychological understanding. The use of numbers—“forty whacks” and “forty-one”—adds to this calculating quality, almost reducing the violence to a simple, cold count.
Examining the Poem’s Structure
The poem is a quatrain, a four-line stanza, following an A B C D rhyme scheme. The first two lines do not rhyme with each other, creating a sense of abruptness. The last two lines rhyme, providing a sense of completion, albeit a disturbingly unsettling one. This seemingly predictable rhythm is disrupted by the shocking content, creating a jarring effect. The line “And when she saw what she had done” functions as a turning point, hinting at consequence or realization. However, the poem immediately returns to the violence with “She gave her father forty-one,” effectively negating any sense of remorse or regret. This lack of emotional resolution further amplifies the poem’s disturbing impact.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe”
Sound Devices
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, such as the short “a” in “Lizzie Borden took an axe” and “and gave her mother forty whacks,” creates a subtle musicality, making the rhyme more memorable, even unsettling.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, like the “f” in “And gave her father forty-one,” adds rhythmic quality and emphasizes the action.
- Alliteration: Occurs subtly, such as the repeated initial “f” in “father forty-one,” adding a slight emphasis and reinforcing the image.
Imagery and Symbolism
- Imagery: The poem relies on stark, visceral imagery—the ax, the repeated blows—to create a powerful and lasting impression. The image of the ax is particularly potent, evoking both labor and violence.
- Symbolism: The ax itself serves as a powerful symbol of violence and destruction. It is a primal tool associated with both building and breaking, highlighting the destructive potential within seemingly ordinary objects.
Figures of Speech
- Understatement: The simple, direct language deliberately downplays the horrific nature of the events. This forces readers to actively imagine the full extent of the violence, making it even more disturbing.
- Irony: The playful rhythm and rhyme of the poem create a stark contrast with the gruesome subject matter. This jarring juxtaposition of form and content is a key element of the poem’s unsettling power.
Analyzing Poetic Techniques
Diction and Tone
The diction—the choice of words—is remarkably simple and direct, devoid of flowery language or emotional embellishment. This contributes to a stark and unsettling tone. The poem does not aim to evoke horror or pity; it presents the events in a detached, almost clinical manner. This detachment is more unsettling than explicit descriptions of gore. The poem doesn’t judge, it simply states.
Rhyme Scheme and Meter
As noted, the poem follows an A B C D rhyme scheme. Its meter—the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables—is largely regular, with each line containing approximately eight syllables. This regularity creates a sense of predictability that is then deliberately shattered by the violent content. The rhythmic predictability lulls the reader into a false sense of security before delivering the shocking details of the crime.
Quotes for Discussion
Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks,
And when she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s shocking simplicity, disturbing imagery, and unsettling juxtaposition of form and content. They provide an excellent starting point for discussing the poem’s themes, literary devices, and enduring appeal. Consider how the rhyme and rhythm contribute to the poem’s memorability, despite its grim subject matter.
In conclusion, “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe” is a deceptively simple poem that packs a powerful punch. Its chilling imagery, unsettling rhythm, and ironic juxtaposition of form and content have made it a lasting piece of American folklore. By analyzing its literary and poetic devices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its artistry and enduring appeal. It is a testament to the power of poetry to both reflect and disturb, to tell stories that linger in the mind long after they are first heard.