In and
his children are discussing the details of the recent trial of Tom Robinson. In keeping with the
way he normally acts as a parent, Atticus endeavors to be open and honest with his children, not
holding back or in any way sugar-coating what he has to say.
During the
conversation, Atticus tellsabout some of the arcane traditions surrounding trial by jury in
Alabama. For example, Miss Maudie would not have been able to serve on the jury during the trial
of Tom Robinson as she's a woman. Scout is indignant upon hearing this shocking news.
Apparently, women in Alabama are prevented from serving on juries in order to protect their
frail sensibilities from the sordid details of such serious crimes as rape.
What we see here is an example of the old Southern ideal of womanhood in action.
According to this ideal, women are weak, fragile creatures who need to be protected by their
menfolk from the harsh realties of life. Women like Aunt Alexandra unthinkingly subscribe to
this sexist notion, but Miss Maudie most assuredly does not. And it's fair to say that when
Scout grows up, she too will reject this blatant example of male
chauvinism.
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