Scarlett see Rhett for the first time, Gone With the wind by Margaret Mitchell
Arts/Culture/Entertainment

Gone With the Wind: Haunting Echoes of Rhett and Scarlett’s Unhealed Love

If only love was all things sweet and not a bittersweet ride. Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara’s complicated love legacy continues to resonate across centuries

I read Gone with The Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) in my teens when romance was high on my must-read books. It’s been close to 40 years now, but for reasons unbeknown, I am unable to forget Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara. Possibly because I saw the movie as well and it was such a marvellous adaptation (1939).

Rhett and Scarlett talking clearly at the end, Gone With the wind by Margaret Mitchell

The novel’s copyrights were sold within a month of publishing, as the book got rave reviews. “A remarkable and spectacular book that will not be forgotten,” said the Chicago Tribune. This is the only novel written by Margaret Mitchell. And if I can recall it after 40 years also, then it has truly lived up to its reputation of being a masterpiece. This is a 1024-pages long splendid story set in Georgia of 1861 against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era.  

It took 13 screenwriters and five directors to bring the 4-hour movie to life. Clark Gable was the perfect Rhett Butler and Vivian Leigh, a fiery Scarlett O’ Hara. Their onscreen chemistry resonated with the book perfectly, unlike many motion picture adaptations.

Scarlett and Rhett were the most likely and unlikeliest of matches with one a blooming 16-year-old and the other an outcast 32-year-old man of the world. In that century, blacks (negros) were shedding off their slavery shackles. Mitchell’s vivid description of the countryside and the real characters bring the 19th century American culture and region to life. The book has many themes and characters: slavery, caste, history, love, families, coming-of-age, status of women in the society, ways of a changing world.

While I have the old paperback, I read it again online now. Like many writers of the earlier century, Mitchell’s story thrives on details. It’s like time travel where every nook and corner come alive.

Young Scarlett is the daughter of a rich cotton plantation owner. Tara, as the plantation is named, is her sanctuary and haven. Her father, an irate Irish, and mother, a gentle French lady, are her icons. But Scarlett does not turn out like her idolised mother.

She is always hungry for attention, insensitive to her sisters and other young ladies, full of fun, loves parties and her privileged life. With no interest in studies, she turns out to be an astute businesswoman. Her high voltage intellect is hidden behind the mask of her mother’s genteel grooming. From the very beginning, she knows how to use her feminine wiles to get what she wants. Mitchell describes her Irish temper, always getting things her way, marrying two men out of spite and need for money, giving birth to their children, and strange fascination for Rhett.

She encounters Rhett in the opening pages at a county party, where he witnesses her expressing her love to Ashley Wilkes, another rich plantation owner’s intellectual son.

Throughout the book, Scarlett has just one weakness—Ashley Wilkes, the dreamy love of her childhood, who doesn’t reciprocate and is wise enough to know that the two are incompatible. He marries his cousin, Melanie Hamilton, the most saintly character in the book and Scarlett’s only woman friend.

It’s only at the end of the book, Scarlett realises that she doesn’t love Ashley, has never loved or understood him, but created an illusion.

Through most of the book, Mitchell’s focus has been on Scarlett’s emotions, thoughts and actions. She doesn’t address the inner workings of all the characters, but she never misses anything about Scarlett. Most of the times, we see the real Scarlett through Rhett’s eyes, who sees the same spirit, the same vibes and the same abilities. Only Rhett can talk down to the mighty Scarlett and get away with it. Only Rhett shows her for what she truly is: a woman who loves herself, is unscrupulous, a survivor, courageous and never needs validation. He never judges her.

Rhett asks Scarlett to be his mistress, Gone With the wind by Margaret Mitchell

Rhett never confesses his love to Scarlett, perhaps that was a mistake I feel. On the other hand, that’s what makes the story so intriguing. He does ask her to be his mistress, as he was not the marrying kind. She cringes at such a proposition, being a lady of high breeding and even higher ambitions.

Their intense passion is akin to a love that none know or express, an elusive sentiment. However, the snake of desire does raise its head from time to time.

Rhett helps Scarlett seamlessly, refusing once due to uncertain external forces, yielding when he can, taking a promise that the money should not benefit Ashley. He mocks her often, yet finds her astute and sensible. He stands by her decision to do business, which was scorned upon in that society. A woman must not do a man’s work.

Rhett is an intriguing character, someone who casts a cloak on his emotions. His weaknesses are not failures, he turns them into strengths. The rogue’s mask falls off later though.

His sensitive side is revealed fully only in the last part of the book. He marries Scarlett, loves his stepchildren, and the couple have a baby girl. It is this child who brings about a visible change of heart for Rhett. Once sceptical of the genteel southerners, he now actively vies for their respect and ways. He is willing to leave his hard ways, mercenary habits to become a doting father to his daughter, Bonnie. Once the topic of malice, jealousy, rumours, he does manage to become the darling of ladies in the town of Atlanta.

What Atlanta's old world society thinks about Rhett and Scarlett

He doesn’t like Scarlett’s outward show of pride, her loud parties and lavishly done home, but he yields to her wishes all the time. Mitchell also shows a man with deep wounds when Scarlett has a miscarriage; Rhett cries and withers as Melanie helps him out of this wrecking state.

Then Bonnie dies while horse riding. Rhett is heartbroken and ‘doesn’t give a damn’. Then Melanie dies as well, entrusting the care of her son and husband to Scarlett. This is the final straw for Rhett, who walks out. Scarlett’s plea for love goes unheeded. The couple had decided that they would not take a divorce.

“Scarlett, I was never one to patiently pick up broken fragments and glue them together and tell myself that the mended whole was as good as new. What is broken is broken — and I’d rather remember it as it was at its best than mend it and see the broken places as long as I lived. Perhaps, if I were younger —” he sighed. “But I’m too old to believe in such sentimentalities as clean slates and starting all over. I’m too old to shoulder the burden of constant lies that go with living in polite disillusionment. I couldn’t live with you and lie to you and I certainly couldn’t lie to myself. I can’t even lie to you now. I wish I could care what you do or where you go, but I can’t.”
He drew a short breath and said lightly but softly:
“My dear, I don’t give a damn.”

Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Scarlett heads off to Tara, her beloved plantation, for tomorrow is another day. She has realised that she loves Rhett and is going to get him back. The word NO never existed in Scarlett’s dictionary. 

Scarlett never accepts defeat

For me, the teen, this parting wasn’t a fitting end. It was tragic. Though not the centre of attention, in complete contrast is the love between Ashley and his wife Melanie. The intellectual couple, who understand each other, write love letters, remain loyal, have a child out of love and cherish each other’s wishes, willing to be obligate to Scarlett to take care of them. There is nothing of the storm that Rhett and Scarlett raise. But even that didn’t have the perfect end.

For the adult me, the story is a dystopian tale that merits many re-reads, as the history, the research, the depth of characters and the vivid lifestyle of the old and the new is evergreen. Love has many dimensions and we only wake up with experience, once the physical attraction has been overcome, like the love Ashley and Melanie had. Love is an unfathomable feeling, it never has an end that goes as per our wishes. I guess we all learn this at some point, maybe even real-life couples.

Among my other favourite love stories are P.S.I Love You by Cecelia Ahern (2004), Love Story by Erich Segal (1970), Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (1847), A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (1929) and The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (1977), but that would be another post.

This post is part of February #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter (Prompt: Favourite Literary Couple)

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge. (Word: Love)

I am participating in the Book Bingo 2024 reading challenge by Shinjini (Prompt: Living in a dystopian world)

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.

38 thoughts on “Gone With the Wind: Haunting Echoes of Rhett and Scarlett’s Unhealed Love”

  1. This is a wonderful write up! It makes me feel like rereading it but I know I won’t because I don’t usually reread book, plus it’s a big, fat book ―one of the longest books I have ever read.

    I read it many years ago ―one of the very few classics that I liked. I too felt the ending wasn’t satisfying, so I bought its sequel, Scarlett, and read that too.
    M

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  4. The story is heartwarming and especially I loved the concepts it has covered. When it’s a story, whatever be it’s genre, then I look forward to read about various aspects of life through the author’s perspective.

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  6. My didi is a teacher of English literature and I cant count how many times I heard her reading Gone with The Wind… It was something her hot favorite so you can say this book remained an integral part of my life when I shared the same home with her and parents. But I personally never read it and I am guilty.

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  7. Your reflection on “Gone with the Wind” is truly captivating! It’s evident how deeply the story has resonated with you over the years, with its intricate characters, rich historical backdrop, and complex themes of love, loss, and resilience. Your analysis beautifully captures the essence of Scarlett and Rhett’s tumultuous relationship, highlighting their flaws, desires, and ultimately, their heartbreaking parting.
    I appreciate how you’ve delved into the contrasts between Scarlett and Rhett’s fiery yet fragile love and the steadfast bond between Ashley and Melanie. It’s fascinating how Mitchell crafted such multidimensional characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, making them feel incredibly real and relatable.
    Your personal journey with this novel, from your teenage years to adulthood, adds another layer of depth to your reflections. It’s a testament to the timelessness of Mitchell’s storytelling and the universal truths about love and human nature that she explores in her work.
    Your mention of other favorite love stories adds a nice touch, showcasing your appreciation for romance across different genres and eras. It’s evident that literature holds a special place in your heart, serving as a source of comfort, inspiration, and reflection throughout the years.

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  9. I loved the book – the ending left a permanent hollow in my stomach – desperately found and read the sequel which didn’t hold a candle to the original. I think it is time to read it again.

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  10. Like you Ambica, I read Gone with the Wind looooong ago n watched the movie long ago too. I watched the movie first solely cuz Vivian Leigh was born in my hometown n I was curious to watch her famous movie. I read the book after. I had forgotten much of it but your review brought back some memories. Last time I felt like re-reading it but the size of the book made me change my mind. 😛
    Btw, I have read most books in your romantic books list but remember ES’s Love Story vividly although I read it when I was in college.

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  12. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell has been on my list for ages, but I still have not finished it. The story is intriguing, and that’s why I am waiting to read it first and then watch the movie. Thanks for such a wonderful review. Now, I am going to grab the book right now.

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  13. Hello hello
    I too read Gone with The Wind as a teenager and just today when someone asked, ‘Who is your favorite female fictional character from books?’ my immediate response was Scarlett O’Hara. I think I’d say Rhett Butler instinctively too if someone asked the same question for a male fictional character. It amazes me how this book and this couple continues to be relevant after so many years. I loved how you talked about both the character’s flaws and strengths and also a bit about the story’s setup and other supporting characters. It was dive down memory lane for me, refreshing my own memory of the story and reminding of things I’d probably forgotten about this beloved couple

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  15. Funny coincidence – just three days ago, I was thinking about revisiting Gone With The Wind, a book I read 10 years back I think. And here you are, writing about it! I really enjoyed your take on the characters’ flaws and strengths, as well as your insights into the story’s setup and supporting cast.

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  16. Your posts played out the book and movie right in front of my eyes. It took me back to when I first read it and felt each emotion as you’ve rightfully mentioned. Tried re-reading the book again, but somehow couldn’t get to it.

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  18. Gone with the Wind is timeless. I first read it when I was quite young. I feel the ending was perfect going by the characters. I enjoyed reading your detailed writeup about the book.

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  19. I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, can you believe it? For all the high praise around it, I felt myself getting distracted by its sheer length. You’ve described it quite beautifully though to have a good idea.

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  20. I love this book and among my prized possessions. I haven’t read the sequel but this remains fresh in my mind, maybe because I read it when I was in my teens. I revisited it many times later and saw the movie multiple times. Rhett Butler is much more to me than Mr Darcy ever was! Scarlett O’Hara captured my imagination like never before. Your writing made me verbose in my comment.

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  21. I remember reading it long ago and it took me days to finish it. Your reflections on the characters and themes of “Gone with the Wind” evoked a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for Mitchell’s timeless masterpiece. Thank you for sharing your insights and personal reflections on this enduring classic.

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  26. My bad, I saw the movie and now in two minds whether to read a book or not but I personally feel one should always read a book first for sheer imagination. I loved this classic story and again in two minds to read a sequel or not. What do you suggest?

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  27. OMG..Gone with the Wind is an all-time favourite of mine.I also read Gone With The Wind during my teenage years. It’s remarkable how this book and its characters remain relevant even after so many years. I appreciated how you discussed both the characters’ flaws and strengths, as well as the story’s setup and supporting characters. It was a trip down memory lane for me, refreshing my recollection of the story and reminding me of things I may have forgotten about this gorgeous couple.We procured the DVD with great difficulty and watched the movie almost 35 years ago.

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  28. while this is a popular book, i never could get into it. Reading your thoughts make it sound like a multi-layered story, and definitely, those times were chaotic and it is great that the writer is able to bring that alive.

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  29. That was such a holistic review of the book from you, Ambica. I read the book a long ago and hadn’t finished it; the volume was too much to cover. However, I didn’t read it for the love theme but for the war calamities and the racial transformation. I would not have remembered those characters if not for a later reading of its review.

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  30. There are no more vibrant characters in the history of literature than Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. There is a reason this book is a classic. Everyone should read it at least once in their life to appreciate the Civil War and understand the sadness and loss that enveloped the country.

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  31. There are very few books quite like Gone With The Wind. Loved reading your post. As a teen, I too was disappointed with the ending but now understand it was the perfect one. As for the sequel, some books do not need one. Period.

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  32. We clearly have very similar tastes in books! I loved the love story in GWTW but I also loved the historical descriptions – this book was truly a masterpiece. I think that’s why I didn’t like the movie as much. Despite its 4 hour length, it simply couldn’t capture everything.

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