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Masculinity in the novel “A Gathering of Old Men” by Ernest J. Gaines
The main theme in the novel, A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. ... However, the author lifts up even another interesting theme, the masculinity in terms of power and courage and especially the changes in masculinity of the characters belonging to different ethnic groups. The black men in the novel had always had a low sense of masculinity due to many years of oppression by the white people, whereas the white men had a strong sense of masculinity due to their superior social class. However, these levels of masculinity change dramatically along with the events in the novel. The black men gain their self-esteem and get a stronger sense of masculinity whereas the tough white men, Fix and Mapes, diminish their sense of masculinity. ... The feeling of dependency had made the black men fearful and lowered their sense of masculinity. An example of their reputation of being cowards is when Miss Merle compares the black men to ‘frightened little bedbugs’ (15). ...
Even the other old black men, who had gathered to support Mathu, felt the same way, though they did not want to be afraid anymore. They all had been bullied by white men and now they wanted to make a change. ... For the first time in their lives the old men were proud because finally they were going to stand up and act like real brave men.
Approximate Word count = 1121
Approximate Pages = 4.5
(250 words per page double spaced)
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