"We need the iron qualities that go with true manhood. We need the positive virtues of resolution, of courage, of indomitable will, of power to do without shrinking the rough work that must always be done."- Theodore Roosevelt What Roosevelt means, is that manhood is earned and it is something you have to work for. Ernest J Gaines' book A Gathering of Old Men strongly focuses on manhood. His definition of manhood is when people have courage and determination to make a stand to fight for what they believe. Throughout the book, courage and change take place, not only on the outside of individuals, but on the inside as well.

In the first part of the book Mathu is the only one that has ever stood up against Fix or his gang. Mathu says "A man got to do what he thinks is right, Sheriff.... That's what...