Why I think Lizzie stayed in Fall River

[snokkums]

I know people alot of times wonder why Lizzie stayed in Fall River after the trial. My own theory of this is that I think Lizzie geniunely thought she was innocent. And after the aquittal, at least by law, it was prove.

Besides, I think to, if she would have left, it would have looked to everyone that she was guilty. You know, see, you left town in disgrace, you have to be guilty.

Also, I think she wanted to snub her nose at the uppper crust, and bought a nice house with servants and everything. Any thoughts or comments?

[darthvader]

It really seems like Lizzie always dreamed of living the life she did after the murders. For her to live at Maplecroft was something she always wanted. Esp. after living with her Father and Step Mother for those years, it must have really been nice to finally "move out".

I think the bigger question is why did Emma move away? Does that point more guilt to her?

[1bigsteve]

I've always felt that Lizzie had a lot of pride and she was not about to be run out of Fall River even if it meant having few friends. I think moving away would have, to Lizzie, been an admission of guilt so I feel that could have been a reason for her staying. It would have been nice if Lizzie could have moved away and spent her years with friends that were not as entrenched in the case as those in Fall River. I think she would have been happier. Just look at OJ. If he had stayed in Los Angeles he would have been treated like scum but with his move to Florida he can at least have some friends and maybe a little peace. I think pride got the best of Lizzie.

-1bigsteve (o:

[twinsrwe]

I think Lizzie stayed in Fall River for several reasons. Fall River was her home town; this is where she grew up and this was where her friends and family were. I think she felt that the house on second street was definitely beneath her and everything the Bordens stood for. In addition to this, she had always wanted to live on The Hill with the elite, that is to be recognized as a socially superior part of society, which, in fulfilling her wants, is exactly where she ended up. Maplecroft provided her with everything she ever wanted - especially after Emma moved out. Whatever the reason was for Emma moving out, may have been deliberately planned and instigated by Lizzie in order that she have the run of Maplecroft all to herself. I think Lizzie was quite happy with the life she chose to live.

[snokkums]

I think that you are right, BigSteve. I think pride got in the way. She was going to stay put. You know, this my home town, Iwas found not guilty, and I am staying, to prove a point.

[Kat]

I'm thinking about Lizzie's birthday, astrologically,in this question, because we are speculating and trying to get into Lizzie's head. I talked to a person whose family member had the same birthday and it sounded like they pretty much do what they want, when they want, to whom they want, and don't assess the pain or turmoil they leave behind (when they do things that appear to be disingenuous or hurtful).

I think that comment recorded as coming from Lizzie says it best:
*They will see that I won't give in one inch.*

--not a direct quote

[terrie]

I agree, Kat. Lizzie appeared to be narcissistically inclined, and very strong willed. I, too, find that quote about not giving an inch provides some real insight into her character.

I also think it was a priority to Lizzie to *make good* in Fall River, and let the rest of the people there see it loud and clear. It wouldn't have been the same to live in fashionable New York, Baltimore, or any other city.

If I had a vengeful nature and was pretty egotistical, I can imagine what it would have meant to her to stay in FR. She lived her whole life wanting to be something special in her home town, not in someone elses home town.

[twinsrwe]

... If I had a vengeful nature and was pretty egotistical, I can imagine what it would have meant to her to stay in FR. She lived her whole life wanting to be something special in her home town, not in someone elses home town.

I agree, Terri. I believe that Lizzie wanted to make a name for herself in her own home town, and she appeared to have cared less what the rest of the world thought of her. She certainly fulfilled her dreams of being someone special - just think, we are still talking about her 80 years after her death.

[Kat]

I think you guys hit the nail on the head in your descriptions!