A Gathering of Old Men Questions and Answers
A Gathering of Old Men
What is the conflict in "A Gathering of Old Men"?
The conflict in A Gathering of Old Men is basically the want to know and the process to find out who killed Beau Bouton. Part of the conflict is also the wonder of whether there will be...
A Gathering of Old Men
In A Gathering of Old Men, what is the symbolism of men waiting in the graveyard?
The men who are waiting in the graveyard are about to do something they have never done before. They are, as a group, going to stand up to the oppression of white society. A bigoted white farmer,...
A Gathering of Old Men
In A Gathering of Old Men, what does Mathu say about the men at his house?
In A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines, Mathu has gained a reputation as the only black character to take a stand against the oppression of the surrounding Louisiana community. Early in the...
A Gathering of Old Men
Why does Miss Merle slap Janey in A Gathering of Old Men?
In the novel A Gathering of Old Men, Miss Merle slaps Janey in order to get her to help them protect Mathau from the white man who had just killed Beau Boutan. Although this is a cruel act, Miss...
A Gathering of Old Men
Why does Gaines kill off a character from each "side" at the end of the shootout in A Gathering of Old Men, and what...
Gaines has two opposing characters die to show the futility of revenge and optimism about the effects of collective action. The life of Charlie, Beau’s killer, is taken. However, Will’s attempt to...
A Gathering of Old Men
How is symbolism displayed in A Gathering of Old Men?
Symbolism is displayed in the story through the action of the novel. One of the most memorable scenes is when the old men pass the plantation graveyard for black people on their way to see Candy...
A Gathering of Old Men
What is the mystery Lou Dimes observes in A Gathering of Old Men?
The answer to the mystery observed by Lou Dimes in A Gathering of Old Men is that the men are going 'round back, under the auspices of going to use the bathroom, to stock up on additional ammunition.
A Gathering of Old Men
Why is Reverend Jameson ignored in A Gathering of Old Men, and why might Gaines portray him as weak?
No one will listen to Reverend Jameson as he cautions acquiescence in the face of racial oppression. He is simply acting out of fear and self-preservation. The old men don't respect him because they...
A Gathering of Old Men
What is the significance of the ending in A Gathering of Old Men?
It's significant that Mathu chooses to ride back in Clatoo's truck with the other black men instead of accepting Candy's offer of a lift back to the quarters. This is an expression of Mathu's...
A Gathering of Old Men
Why did Mat decide to go to Mathu's in A Gathering of Old Men?
Mat decides to go to Mathu's because Mathu is the only man he knows who's ever stood up to white people. When the message comes through for him to go to Mathu's place, he doesn't hesitate to go, even...
A Gathering of Old Men
In "A Gathering of Old Men", how does a character change from the beginning to the end?
Here is a couple of Character Overviews. See the link below for further information. Charlie Biggs Charlie Biggs is a big, fifty-year-old black man. All his life he has been timid and submissive,...
A Gathering of Old Men
What is the struggle between destiny and determination for Mathu in A Gathering of Old Men?
Mathu's perspective shifts from feeling that his destiny is to take the blame (and possibly serve time) and also to inspire black men to take charge of their future and make a change, while...