Gone with the Wind

Definition

'Gone with the Wind' is a historical novel written by Margaret Mitchell, published in 1936, that tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a Southern belle navigating life during and after the American Civil War. The novel romanticizes the Antebellum South and presents a complex portrayal of plantation life, societal norms, and the struggles of individuals amid the devastation of war, contributing to the mythologizing of the Old South's culture and values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Gone with the Wind' won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937, solidifying its status as a significant work in American literature.
2. The novel depicts the drastic changes in Southern society due to the Civil War and Reconstruction, emphasizing themes of survival, resilience, and loss.
3. Scarlett O'Hara's character is often interpreted as a symbol of Southern femininity and determination, embodying both strength and vulnerability.
4. The portrayal of slavery in 'Gone with the Wind' has been criticized for its romanticized depiction of enslaved characters and their lives on plantations.
5. The film adaptation released in 1939 became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and further popularized the book's themes and characters.

Review Questions

• How does 'Gone with the Wind' reflect the characteristics of plantation novels in its portrayal of Southern life?
  • 'Gone with the Wind' reflects plantation novels through its depiction of life on a Southern plantation and its focus on the genteel lifestyle of characters like Scarlett O'Hara. However, unlike some plantation novels that might gloss over slavery's brutality, Mitchell presents a more complex view by showing how war disrupts this lifestyle. The novel intertwines personal narratives with broader social changes, ultimately reinforcing certain romanticized notions while still highlighting individual struggles.
• In what ways does 'Gone with the Wind' contribute to Lost Cause mythology through its narrative choices?
  • 'Gone with the Wind' contributes to Lost Cause mythology by romanticizing the Antebellum South and depicting Confederate characters as noble individuals fighting for their way of life. The narrative emphasizes themes of honor and loyalty among Southern characters while downplaying the moral implications of slavery. This selective storytelling serves to reinforce cultural narratives that frame the Confederacy's actions in a sympathetic light, influencing how readers perceive historical events.
• Evaluate how 'Gone with the Wind' shapes modern perceptions of the Civil War era and its impact on American literature.
  • 'Gone with the Wind' shapes modern perceptions of the Civil War era by presenting an idealized view of Southern society before its collapse, influencing how subsequent generations understand this period. Its romanticized portrayal of Southern culture and characters has led to ongoing debates about race, gender roles, and historical accuracy in American literature. The novel's impact extends beyond literature into popular culture, as it has become a reference point for discussions about legacy, memory, and identity related to the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Related terms

Plantation Novels: 'Plantation novels' are literary works that depict life on Southern plantations, often portraying the genteel lifestyle of white plantation owners while downplaying or justifying the brutal realities of slavery.

Romanticism: 'Romanticism' is a literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often glorifying past ideals and cultural narratives that can be seen in 'Gone with the Wind'.

Lost Cause Mythology: 'Lost Cause mythology' refers to a cultural narrative that romanticizes the Confederate cause during the Civil War and portrays it as noble and just, influencing literature like 'Gone with the Wind'.