“Burdens are for shoulders strong enough to carry them.”  – Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell

Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind is a sweeping saga that immerses readers in the American Civil War and Reconstruction turbulence. At the heart of this epic narrative is Scarlett O’Hara, one of literature’s most complex and polarizing characters. Known for her beauty, determination, and ruthless ambition, she embodies the conflict and transformation of her era.

This character sketch aims to dissect the multifaceted nature of Scarlett O’Hara, examining her physical and emotional attributes, motives and intentions, core values, relationships, and the life lessons she imparts. We will also explore her character arc, offering insights into her evolution throughout the novel.

Who is Scarlett O’Hara & What Are Her Physical and Emotional Characteristics?

Scarlett O’Hara is introduced as the charming and privileged daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in Georgia. Her physical beauty is striking: described as having “green eyes” and a “wasted waist,” she embodies the Southern Belle ideal with her graceful demeanor and fashionable attire. Her attractiveness is a crucial asset in her social interactions and romantic endeavors, allowing her to navigate the societal hierarchies of her time with relative ease.

Emotionally, Scarlett is a complex blend of traits. At first glance, she appears to be a typical spoiled, self-centered young woman. However, beneath her surface lies a steely resolve and a formidable will. Her emotional landscape is characterized by a potent mix of vanity, stubbornness, and a relentless drive to secure her happiness, regardless of the cost to others. Scarlett’s resilience in the face of adversity and ability to adapt to changing circumstances mark her as a formidable strength and willpower figure.

What Are Her Motives and Intentions?

Scarlett O’Hara’s primary motive throughout Gone with the Wind is to secure her happiness and financial stability. Initially, her ambitions are focused on winning the affection of Ashley Wilkes, whom she idealizes as the epitome of romance and refinement. However, her fixation on Ashley reveals a more profound desire for social validation and status, reflecting the societal pressures of her time.

As the narrative progresses, her motives shift in response to the shifting tides of the Civil War and Reconstruction. She becomes increasingly pragmatic, driven by the need to survive and thrive in a drastically changing world. Her determination to restore her family’s fortunes and her relentless pursuit of wealth and security become central to her actions. This shift illustrates her ability to adapt her intentions in the face of external pressures, revealing her resilience and strategic thinking.

What Are Her Core Values, Including His Relationships?

Scarlett O’Hara’s social environment and personal experiences largely shape her core values. At the core of her values is an unwavering commitment to self-preservation and material success. She highly values wealth and status, often prioritizing them above emotional connections or ethical considerations. This is evident in her willingness to manipulate and deceive others to achieve her goals.

Scarlett’s relationships are instrumental in shaping her character. Her interactions with Rhett Butler, the charismatic and opportunistic blockade runner, contrast sharply with her idealized view of Ashley Wilkes. Her infatuation with Ashley represents her yearning for an idealized past. On the other hand, her relationship with Rhett reflects a more pragmatic, albeit turbulent, partnership. Despite her flaws, Rhett’s steadfast support and love for Scarlett highlights the complexities of their relationship and her internal conflicts.

Scarlett’s relationship with her family also reveals much about her values. Her attachment to her father and struggle to maintain the family’s plantation underscores her deep-seated sense of duty and loyalty. However, her interactions with her mother and sisters often reveal a more selfish and competitive side, mainly driven by her desire to assert dominance and achieve her ends.

What Does Scarlett O’Hara’s Life Teach Us?

Scarlett O’Hara’s life offers several profound lessons about human nature and resilience. Her story, therefore, is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability. Despite numerous setbacks and the destruction of her once-secure world, Scarlett’s ability to reinvent herself and persevere underscores the importance of tenacity in overcoming adversity.

In addition, Scarlett’s life highlights the complexities of human motivations. It also illustrates the consequences of pursuing personal goals at the expense of others. Her often ruthless actions, driven by a desire for security and social standing, reveal the ethical ambiguities of ambition and the personal costs of single-minded pursuit.

Moreover, Scarlett’s eventual realization of her mistakes, coupled with her reflections on what truly matters—especially in her final moments of solitude—offers a poignant commentary on the nature of fulfillment and personal growth. Consequently, her journey from a naive young woman to a self-reliant survivor vividly illustrates the transformative power of experience and self-awareness.

Character Arc of Scarlett O’Hara

Scarlett O’Hara’s character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of *Gone with the Wind*. At the novel’s start, she is a carefree and somewhat frivolous Southern belle focused on romance and social standing. Her character is initially a mix of charm and selfishness, primarily concerned with her unrequited love for Ashley Wilkes.

As the Civil War begins, Scarlett evolves in response to the harsh realities of her world. She transforms from a sheltered young woman into a determined survivor, marked by significant personal growth. She faces numerous challenges—losing her home, enduring economic hardships, and navigating complex relationships. It is these that force her to confront her limitations and strengths.

By the novel’s end, Scarlett is a more hardened and self-reliant figure, shaped by her experiences and losses. Her final reflection, where she vows to rebuild her life and return to her roots, represents a personal and thematic resolution. Despite her flaws and the pain she has caused, her enduring spirit and resolve leave a lasting impression, highlighting the novel’s broader themes of resilience and transformation.

Conclusion