A main theme in "A Gathering of Old Men" is the redefinition of black masculinity. Initially titled "The Revenge of Old Men," the novel is a tale about action and self-realization. The old men who gather at the plantation have spent their days running from trouble. After years of social and economic subjugation in a racist system, they long to stand up for something. The transformation that they long to undertake is best illustrated by …showed first 75 words of 550 total…

…showed last 75 words of 550 total…battle scene, the black men, not the whites, truly are the ones calling the shots. Luke Will and his ruffian gang were done they said "Call them niggers off, we ready to turn ourselfes in." (205) Unfortunately for them Charlie decided he was going to go out in a blaze of glory. "And ain't no deal. They go'n put me in that 'lectric chair for one, might's well put me in thee for two. No deal." (205)