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False Identity

1464 Words6 Pages

Identity is what defines someone and makes them unique, however there are many instances where people hide behind a false identity, whether it is for their own gain or for the protection of others it is a common theme over the course of human life. This trend is reflected in our writings, where the character or speaker is forced to be someone they are not, and society plays a major role in why these false identities are created. “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, “Blood Relations” by Sharon Pollock, and “Eveline” by James Joyce all share this commonality. Each of the characters in the three pieces are forced to hide their true identity due to various social rules and all of them comment on an injustice around the turn of the 20th …show more content…

In 1892 the father and stepmother of Lizzie Borden is found dead by the maid of the family. Lizzie is accused of the murder but is later acquitted. The play takes place 10 years later with a re-enactment of the events, but with The Actress, Lizzie’s lover, playing as Lizzie and with Lizzie playing the other roles. We learn through the course of the re-enactment that Lizzie, as a woman in the 19th century has very little control over her situation. She is unable to earn any money and must rely on her father’s inheritance to be independent. However, when Lizzie’s stepmother writes Lizzie out of the will, she is left with very little options. “Your father’s no fool, Lizzie…. Only a fool would leave money to you.” (708, Lines: 901-902) Mr. Borden wants Lizzie to marry Johnny MacLeod, however Lizzie refuses as we know that she is at the very least bi-sexual as she is in a relationship with The Actress. Mr. Borden is completely unable to grasp the concept that Lizzie is not attracted to men and is baffled as to why Lizzie is opposed to the marriage. Lizzie also displays her lack of interest in being a servant to MacLeod. “He’s looking for a housekeeper and it isn’t going to be me!” (706, 807). Lizzie later begins throwing dishes in a fit of anger, representing her rejection of contemporary roles of women. Lizzie has many feelings of not fitting in and being defective, which supports Lizzie having a false

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