Lizzie Andrew Borden Quotes

Powerful Lizzie Andrew Borden for Daily Growth

About Lizzie Andrew Borden

Lizzie Andrew Borden (June 19, 1860 – June 1, 1927), an enigmatic figure in American history, is best known not for her literary contributions but for the sensational murder trial that captivated the nation in the late 19th century. Born on June 19, 1860, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie was the youngest of five children of Andrew Jackson Borden and Abby Durfee Gray Borden. Raised in a strict Puritan household, Lizzie's life took an unexpected turn when her father and stepmother were brutally axe-murdered on August 4, 1892, in their home at 92 Second Street. Despite being the prime suspect, Lizzie was acquitted of the crimes following a highly publicized trial in June 1893. The murder case became a sensation, inspiring countless works of fiction and non-fiction, including plays, novels, and films. The eventual outcome, however, did not quell the public's fascination with Lizzie Borden, as many remained convinced of her guilt. Throughout her life, Lizzie remained a recluse in Fall River, managing the family's real estate business and living in the home where the murders took place. She never married or had children. In her later years, she was known to be generous to the less fortunate in her community. Lizzie Borden's legacy is complex, with her name becoming synonymous with American crime lore. Despite the sensational events that defined her life, little is known about Lizzie as a person or her thoughts on the events that unfolded around her. Her story remains a captivating piece of American history, and her quotes continue to offer insight into the enigma that was Lizzie Andrew Borden.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"They'll be sorry for this when I'm dead and can't be quiet about it."

This quote suggests a sense of vindication from Lizzie Borden, who was acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother in 1892. By implying that those who wronged her will eventually regret their actions when she is dead and unable to keep silent about it, she indicates her belief in a future justice system where her innocence will be recognized. It also hints at her defiant spirit, as she asserts that her silence during the trial does not equate to guilt and that she intends to clear her name posthumously.


"I would not have believed it of me."

This quote suggests a self-surprised or disbelieving state, possibly indicating a gap between one's expected actions and actual ones. In the context of Lizzie Borden, who was acquitted after being tried for allegedly murdering her parents, this quote may reflect a sense of astonishment that she could be capable of such an act - although it should be noted that the quote itself doesn't necessarily refer to the murder case.


"Everybody knows that people always speak well of the dead, and the best thing I can say about them is that they are out of the way."

This quote reflects Lizzie Andrew Borden's cynical observation on human nature, suggesting that people tend to speak favorably of deceased individuals because their criticism or judgment is no longer necessary. The underlying sentiment implies a degree of skepticism towards the authenticity of such praise, as she suggests that being dead offers an advantage in terms of escaping scrutiny and judgment. In essence, Lizzie hints at the human tendency to present a more positive image of the deceased due to their unavailability for response or rebuttal.


"If anyone asks me, I will say I was in the barn."

The quote suggests that Lizzie Borden is suggesting a false alibi to mislead anyone who may inquire about her whereabouts at a specific time, as she was presumably in the house committing the murders of her father and stepmother, but wants people to believe she was elsewhere. This action highlights the deception and potential guilt associated with Lizzie Borden, the main suspect in the infamous 1892 double homicide.


"I don't care what the papers say about me. I am not afraid of them." (often misattributed to Lizzie Borden, but it is actually a paraphrase from a letter written by her attorney, Jonathan D. Foster)

This quote reflects Lizzie Borden's resilience and determination in the face of public scrutiny, particularly after she was acquitted for the murders of her father and stepmother. The statement suggests that she is unafraid of negative portrayals or criticisms by the media, maintaining a strong sense of self-assurance and courage despite the opinions of others.


I knew there was an old axe down cellar; that is all I knew.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Down, Old, Knew, Cellar

When I first came down stairs, for two or three minutes I went down cellar to the water closet.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Stairs, Closet, Minutes, Cellar

My door was open part of the time, and part of the time I tried to get a nap and their voices annoyed me, and I closed it. I kept it open in summer more or less, and closed in winter.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Door, More, Part, Nap

I think he came to the front door and rang the bell, and Maggie let him in, and he said he had forgotten his key; so I think she must have been down stairs.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Door, Think, Been, Bell

Maggie went out of doors to wash the windows and father came out into the kitchen and said he did not know whether he would go down to the post office or not. And then I sprinkled some handkerchiefs to iron.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Father, Office, Some, Kitchen

I said I thought first I was on the stairs; then I remembered I was in the kitchen when he came in.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Thought, Stairs, Remembered, Kitchen

I was feeling well enough to eat the pears.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Well, Eat, Well Enough, Pears

Oh, Mrs. Churchill, do come over, someone has killed father.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Father, Someone, Over, Churchill

Last winter when I was coming home from church one Thursday evening, I saw somebody run around the house again. I told my father of that.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Church, Last, Again, Coming Home

I have been away a great deal in the daytime, occasionally at night.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Deal, Away, Been, Great Deal

I know what she used to do sometimes. She kept her best cape she wore on the street in there, and she used occasionally to go up there to get it and to take it into her room. She kept a great deal in the guest room drawers.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Sometimes, Go, Deal, Great Deal

I was not up stairs when he came home; no, sir.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Stairs, Up, Came, Sir

I did not see his face, because he was all covered with blood.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Face, See, His, Covered

I always went to my sister, because she was older and had the care of me after my mother died.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Always, Had, Died, Sister

She said she was going out, and would get the dinner. That is the last I saw her, or said anything to her.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

She, Last, Would, Dinner

I don't know whether Mrs. Borden is out or in; I wish you would see if she is in her room.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

I Wish, Out, Room, Mrs

I can't do anything in a minute.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Anything, Minute

I was on the stairs coming down when she let him in.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

She, Down, Him, Stairs

I don't know what I have said. I have answered so many questions and I am so confused I don't know one thing from another. I am telling you just as nearly as I know.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Another, Telling, Nearly, Answered

Go for Dr. Bowen as soon as you can. I think father is hurt.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Father, Think, I Think, Dr

I never eat any breakfast.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Never, Eat, Any, Breakfast

She told me she had a note, somebody was sick.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Me, She, Had, Note

I had no occasion for an apron on that morning.

- Lizzie Andrew Borden

Morning, Had, Occasion

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