What is rape? The definition of this word is shrouded in ambiguity, there is no single meaning. The most widely accepted definition is forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Penetration can occur via a foreign body or object. It can also be said that at any point during intercourse a female says no, and the male continues anyway, this is also rape. The definition could also be stretched to treat a weak yes as rape. Hypothetically speaking, if a woman says no to sexual intercourse, five hours later, after a few shots of tequila, she seduces the same gentlemen into having sex with her, the next day she accuses this individual of rape claiming that he should have respected her previous statement, is he right? Where do we draw the line? If you were drunk behind the wheel of a car and killed innocent civilians wouldn't you still be guilty? Why should it be any different who you sleep with? In the novel “Open Cities” by Teju Cole the protagonist and narrator Julius is accused of rape by a childhood friend named Moji, he does not specify whether the accusations made against him are true or false, but why he should not be given the benefit of the doubt. Nothing written so far about Giulio would lead us to believe that he is capable of doing such a thing. I believe the author is using this situation to express the fact that false rape accusations are a serious problem that threatens the sanctity of the justice system. Open Cities by Teju Cole is a novel about many different aspects of human life, it tells the story of a young half-Nigerian, half-German psychiatrist named Julius. Much of the book is set in New York City, which is Julius' adopted home. As the story unfolds, Julius begins to walk like a w...... middle of paper ...... and, instead of revealing his accomplices, he showed his courage by placing his right hand in the fire and leaving that burns." The Romans were widely known for their fair and impartial justice system, Camus' double story is meant to convey that the way something is initially revealed may not be what it actually is. Most people would refer to Moji as the victim blaming males who are falsely accused of committing rape. Arguing that it is the man's job to read between the lines and understand if a woman is willing. If he says no then it means no, plain and simple, or if he is incompetent. Being too shy/polite to say no is not an excuse for violating someone's rights. Not “saying yes” falls into the same category. “Body language” in the absence of a “no” or an incompetent or physically resistant partner are reasons to hit someone with a rape charge.