Gone with the Wind,
the American classic of war, loss, rebuilding and at its heart, a story of epic
love, the story of Scarlett O'Hara and
Rhett Butler two of the most unforgettable and beloved characters in
literature.
I see Rhett as
representing the future and Scarlett, the stubborn ideals of the South,
clinging to the old ways of life and doggedly determined to uphold the old ways,
never realizing it is already dead and she has never conformed to it in the
first place. But just like the south,
Scarlett picks herself up from nothing and builds a new, better life for
herself and her family.
At times I wanted to shake Scarlett until her head snapped
for her utter stupidity and manipulations. She is conniving and manipulative,
willing to do atrocious things to feel security. But, but she has known
harshness and brutality and while her means aren't what everyone would choose,
she saves not only herself, but her family as well. But damn it, can’t she see
she loves Rhett and has always loved him, that Ashley isn't the man she thinks
he is and that Melly is an incredible woman?
I was surprised at how stupid she comes across at times.
There are times when Rhett or Ashley make reference to a book or quote and
Scarlett doesn't understand nor does she care too. She is clueless to understand
people and see what is right in front of her face. But for all of her faults, I
love Scarlett. She’s headstrong, determined and unwilling to be defeated. Despite
her thoughts of jealously and hate, she takes care of the people that she
loves, sometimes unwillingly.
Rhett Butler, one of the most dynamic and dashing leading
men in literature. I just love him, his wit, his intelligence, his flaunting of
convention. But most of all, he is one of the only people, if not the only who
understands Scarlett, her fierce determination, what drives her – and he loves
her for it. Encourages her where others discourage. He loves her in the
sidelines and lets her be herself but all the time he is there supporting her.
Grandma Fontaine was one of my favorite secondary characters. Wise in
her old age, she understands Scarlett as maybe only Rhett does and she gives
advice and understanding to Scarlett who doesn't take the time to realize she’s
not just a crazy old lady.
I think Grandma Fontaine sums up Ashley’s character best at
Gerald’s funeral. Talking to Scarlett she tells her Ashley was raised to read
books and that’s about it, he is a gentleman born and bred but he’s helpless.
In the era of Reconstruction, well-bred families have limited choices, to rise
above the ashes of their homes and re-make their fortunes or to let the misery overtake
them. Ashley is of the Old South and he doesn't fit in the new south, nor does
he try to. He clings to the old way, longing for a past that will never be
again.
It’s obvious from the start Ashley is an ideal Scarlett has created
and he can never live up to the picture she has painted. Ashley represents the
old way of life and is too weak to thrive in the new. I've never had a liking
for Ashley and the book sheds more light on his character. Yes, he’s weak but
he’s so damn weak. Everyone claims he is a gentleman and in ways he is but he
keeps Scarlett dangling for years knowing how she feels, knowing he will never
leave Melly. I never thought Ashley loved Scarlett in the movie, admire and
respect yes, but never love. And he doesn't love her now, but he does lust
after her and he knows keeps her at arm’s length but never gives Scarlett the
words to unleash her. He’s a weak coward.
Melly, he never realized until it’s too late how much he
loved and depended on her. It breaks my heart to see poor Melly die and the two
most important people to her never realize her value until it’s too late. What
an incredible woman Melly is. A true lady but with a fierceness of mind and
grit even in her weakened body. She is the backbone of these characters, giving
them confidence and standing in the shadows as their champion.
There is obvious racism in the text but as a reader, I put
in perspective first the time period the novel was about, the Civil war and
also the time it was written, the 1930’s. Both are times of turmoil when those
feelings streaked the American conscious. They are not my feelings, nor society’s,
but once upon a time it happened. Gone
with the Wind is about a time long past and that needs to be put in
perspective when reading. I absolutely love Mammy; she is a force to be
reckoned with. Iron strong, she is the soul of her family.
I loved the descriptions of the old south before the war, of
beautiful plantations and parties, belles and beaux and a laid back way of
life. It represents a time before modernity and machines colored the landscape,
the determined and headstrong gallants rushing to war for their convictions,
fighting a cause that was dead long before they stopped fighting.
The ending, oh the ending. I think my heart wrenched more at
the end than at any other point of the novel. Damn Scarlett for taking so long
to see what was in front of her face for years! I have mixed thoughts on what
happens to Scarlett and Rhett. Mitchell left it open to the reader’s opinion
what happens and I've two minds about it. On the one hand, Scarlett always gets
what she wants in the end and the other are Rhett’s words (paraphrased) can
something broken ever be truly put back together? If they do get back together,
will Rhett be able to forget the past and have something wonderful with
Scarlett?
I’m so glad I finally read this book. I loved every page and
it’s now up there with the best books I’ve read this year, first or second and
definitely in my all-time favorites. Now if I can just get four hours to myself
to watch the movie again…
