I just finished Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. And this is my take on it. I think most people miss the first part of the title, Monster. It's not about Lizzie Borden. There are three women represented. They all experience abuse, they all choose violence, they all receive varying results.
Countess Báthory - the aristocrat
Lizzie - the wealthy Victorian
Aileen - the white trash
The Countess said she didn't do it, and was believed.
Lizzie was believed to not be strong enough to do it.
Aileen was never doubted about being guilty of everything.
The Countess was banished to her palace. To finish out her life.
Lizzie was left to live out her life. With the constant scrutiny of people thinking she was guilty.
Aileen was convicted and put to death.
It's not meant to be an factual telling of any story. I think it's more about examples of the extreme cases that gained notoriety. And where we were in civilization, and how class helps to decide someone's fate.
And over all, the fear people have about strong women. Especially if they show that strength by killing people. And the overall question of, did they finally lash out because no one would stand up for them to begin with?