Worthington is a playwright and educator. In this essay she examines the victimization experienced by Lizzie Borden in Pollock's play.

Long before she was arrested for the murder of her parents, Lizzie Borden was more than likely thought of as an eccentric personality around Fall River, Massachusetts Even within her family she had a reputation. Her father avoided bringing up uncomfortable topics with her. He seemed to be afraid of what she might say or do. Harry, her stepmother's brother, would creep around, trying to avoid her, claiming Lizzie loved animals but "what Miss Lizzie doesn't love is people." And her stepmother avoided her when she could, complaining of Lizzie to anyone who would listen; "The truth is she's spoilt rotten."

Yet in spite of this seeming display of power, Lizzie is essentially impotent. Her influence over people only extends to trivial matters. When it comes to...