resists
gender stereotypes by discussing the trial of Tom Robinson with . Specifically, he gives Scout a
definition of what constitutes rape, which is one of the crimes with which Tom has been charged.
That said, Atticus uses a pretty legalistic definition of rape, referring to it as "carnal
knowledge of a female by force and without consent," an expression that Scout doesn't
really understand.
Nevertheless, the very fact that Atticus is even
discussing this matter with his daughter is quite unusual for the time. As Atticus points out,
women aren't allowed to sit on a jury; this is presumably to spare them the sordid details of
serious crimes such as rape. And before the trial of Tom Robinson gets underway, a motion is
considered in court to prohibit women and children from attending proceedings. One can see,
then, how Atticus's discussion of the case with Scout really does represent a challenge to
traditional gender roles.
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