A Gathering of Old Men | Techniques/Literary Precedents
The use of multiple narrators to tell a story that takes place in one day was made famous by James Joyce, whom Gaines himself has credited as an influence. Gaines is working toward his own unique purpose here, however, for the effect of his use of so many different narrators is ultimately to bring them together into a single significant action: the stand against racism and injustice, showing that despite obstacles and differences of opinion, people can unite effectively for a common purpose. Gaines also mentions Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych" as an important literary precedent....
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