Lizzie Borden: The Murders That Made True Crime a Household Obsession

🪓 Lizzie Borden didn’t actually give her stepmother forty whacks—but folklore doesn’t let facts get in the way of a good jump rope rhyme. Pascale shrugs, “it worked for the rhythm,” but Selene bristles—she can’t stand when history gets twisted. In this Life in Jest episode, the two unravel how myth, media, and mania turned a bloody crime into a national obsession. From their eerie visit to Lizzie’s home to the sensational trial that gripped America, they dig into the frenzy, the psychology, and the cultural aftershocks still echoing today.

Plus, they debate the dress code for rock concerts and wonder why Los Angeles' "the Valley" is so besmirched, and why it doesn't seem any lower than anywhere else in LA. All this and so much more awaits you, lucky listeners!

Thanks for listening! We love you oh so much!! XOXOXO

Keywords

Lizzie Borden, true crime, historical analysis, media, cultural impact, psychology, family dynamics, murder mystery, public fascination, historical accuracy

Takeaways

The Lizzie Borden case remains a captivating topic in true crime history.

Public fascination with crime often stems from sensationalized media coverage.

Historical accuracy is often compromised for entertainment value in true crime narratives.

Family dynamics and psychological motives play a crucial role in understanding the case.

The nursery rhyme about Lizzie Borden reflects societal attitudes towards violence and crime.

Cultural artifacts, like nursery rhymes, can perpetuate myths about historical figures.

The trial of Lizzie Borden was a significant event in the history of American legal proceedings.

Lizzie's acquittal raises questions about gender and societal expectations in the 19th century.

The Lizzie Borden house serves as a tourist attraction, blending history with commercialism.

Personal reflections on true crime reveal deeper societal issues and human psychology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

04:55 Exploring the Lizzie Borden House

23:29 The Lizzie Borden Case: A Deep Dive

24:47 Crime Scene Investigation Flaws

27:18 Circumstantial Evidence and Alibis

30:34 The Maid's Role and Social Prejudices

34:42 Media Sensation and Public Fascination

38:50 Trial, Acquittal, and Aftermath

44:38 Cultural Impact and Legacy

54:20 Band T-Shirts and Cultural Disconnect

55:42 The Importance of Historical Context

57:09 Psychological Insights into Literature

58:57 The Complexity of Human Relationships

01:00:23 The Lizzie Borden Case: A Historical Overview

01:07:37 Speculations and Theories Surrounding the Murders

01:15:45 Public Perception and Media Influence

01:21:44 Reflections on Crime and Humanity

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