The Importance In A Gathering Of Old Men

Throughout American history, there has always existed racial tensions and white supremacy. These white ideals and supremacist views were challenged during the Civil Rights Movement, when thousands of African Americans stood up to their current status and relations with white Americans. Against severe racism, discrimination, and injustice, African Americans defied in the hope of gaining racial equality. In A Gathering of Old Men, Ernest J. Gaines attempts to persuade his readers to both accept and challenge the idea that defiance is the black man 's duty in the face of injustice and oppression. In the majority of the book, defiance is encouraged among the characters. Gaines shows the readers that this resistance is beneficial if and when a relevant purpose or cause is in association with the actions. …show more content…
Charlie returns back to the plantation and confesses to the murder of Beau. As he comes to Mathu’s house, Luke and his lynch mob confront the black men. Charlie talks to the black men and shares the full story of why and how he killed Beau. He tried to run away but ended up back on the plantation to confront his crime. Coot confesses that they were all going to go back home, call it off, and forget about this, but Luke had showed up and this triggered an urge from the black men to stay and fight. Charlie however insisted that this was his fight and a cause he was willing to die for. After years of being treated like Beau’s slave, he retaliated. Gaines shows that because of the harsh treatment by Beau, it was inevitable that Charlie rebelled. However, Gaines is sure to illustrate that the use of violence and murder is not necessary to prove a point and stand up for oneself. Charlie was so caught up in proving himself to Mapes and the black men that he’d changed and is a man now, that he forgets about his true identity and who he