My father has always seen the good in all people including those with the harshest characters and personalities

My father has always seen the good in all people including those with the harshest characters and personalities. My brother and me struggled to understand this aspect of him, as he tried to instill the same in us partly because we were young. For this reason, I found myself dealing with adult issues like prejudice, justice, race and etiquette. Tom Robinson’s case exposed us to a deeper understanding of these issues and why it was important in society. Attending church with our black maid, Calpurnia also allowed me to process this content carefully and understand my father’s position as far as justice is concerned. Additionally, I was always a curious kid, asking questions and always ready to learn and have new experiences. As we were walking home from church, I asked Calpurnia the meaning of the word “rape.” She was a bit hesitant and shocked that I asked such a question with all innocence. Instead of giving me a straight answer she redirected me and suggested I asked my father. One evening I decided to approach my father who was sitting in his chair by the window reading the newspaper, and ask him what “rape” meant. The phrase had become common in Maycomb especially when walking down the streets with my dad and brother, following Tom Robinson’s case which was in his hands. I was curious to understand why the phrase triggered many people and their attitude towards my father and Tom during the trial. My father explained that rape was the carnal knowledge of a female by force and without consent. I needed more information because I didn’t understand the concept or Why Cal refused to share such information with me if was that basic. Although I didn’t get all the content I needed from my father, I had educated myself a little bit and I was also a step closer to fully grasping the concept.