Questions and Answers
What do the O'Haras and the Wilkeses represent as upper-class plantation owners?
What is the social hierarchy among the slaves on the plantation?
House workers outrank field hands.
How does Scarlett feel about her role as a Southern belle?
Rhett is a symbol of the _____ South, while Ashley represents the _____ South.
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Ashley Wilkes is entirely devoted to Scarlett O'Hara.
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What pivotal life event occurs for Scarlett just as the Civil War breaks out?
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How does Rhett respond to the economic problems faced by the South?
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What mantra does Scarlett adopt to cope with her circumstances?
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Mitchell portrays only the upper class as victims during the Civil War.
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What significant transformation occurs in Scarlett due to the war?
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What does Tara represent in comparison to Atlanta?
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What motivates Melanie's heroic actions throughout the novel?
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How does Melanie's physical state parallel the South's condition?
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Mitchell depicts a completely realistic portrayal of slaves in 'Gone with the Wind.'
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What are the two choices for Southerners living under Reconstruction, according to Mitchell?
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What does Scarlett prioritize over honor in her actions during the Reconstruction period?
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Rhett's loyalty shift foreshadows a change in political power in the South.
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How does Bonnie's death relate to Scarlett's past, present, and future?
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Who is the weak man that Scarlett imagines as heroic at the beginning of the novel?
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What does Big Sam's desire to return to Tara signify?
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The narrator develops all non-aristocratic characters fully throughout the novel.
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Scarlett chooses Rhett over Ashley, suggesting that she embraces the Old South.
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What significant change does Scarlett undergo as the novel progresses?
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What does Scarlett believe she can do at the end of the novel?
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What best describes Rhett Butler?
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What mantra does Scarlett repeat at the end of the novel?
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Scarlett O'Hara grows up on the Georgia plantation of _____ in the years before the Civil War.
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What represents the values and nostalgia of the Old South?
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Who does Mammy represent for Scarlett?
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Gerald O'Hara is Scarlett's mother.
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Melanie Hamilton is the _____ wife of Ashley Wilkes.
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Study Notes
Chapters 1-4
- O'Haras and Wilkeses represent Southern upper-class plantation owners, featuring a mix of traditional values and pioneer enthusiasm.
- Social hierarchy dominated by family lineage and wealth, exemplified by Gerald O'Hara's acceptance despite initial hesitance.
- Slaves exist within a defined social order; house workers rank above field hands.
- Poor whites, termed "white trash," rely on wealthier neighbors for survival, yet maintain a sense of pride.
- Traditional gender roles dictate men as property owners and women as managers, emphasizing unequal power distribution.
- The narrator uses sarcasm to critique these gender expectations, illustrating societal absurdities.
Chapters 5-7
- Rhett Butler embodies Northern practicality, contrasting with Ashley Wilkes' romantic Southern ideals, highlighting cultural tensions.
- Scarlett’s desire for Ashley reveals her conflict with societal expectations of matrimony and the impending war's impact on Southern culture.
- Scarlett's interactions with both men reflect the Southern struggle between traditional values and new realities.
- The narrative focuses on Scarlett’s perspective, revealing her conflicted emotions and desires, particularly after her husband's death.
Chapters 8-11
- Tara symbolizes the Old South, representing a luxury steeped in a slavery-driven economy, while Atlanta signifies the emerging New South.
- Scarlett’s experiences shift from leisure at Tara to labor in Atlanta, illustrating the societal upheaval during the Civil War.
- Social codes are inverted as Scarlett, a Southern belle, finds herself performing arduous tasks, challenging her upbringing.
Chapters 12-16
- Rhett critiques the South's denial about the war's economic repercussions, embodying the New South's stark realism.
- Ashley recognizes the truth in Rhett's observations but opts to fight for the Old South, underscoring his character's tragic adherence to lost ideals.
- Southern economy heavily relies on slave labor; the blockade during the war exacerbates resource shortages and price inflation.
- Abundance of resources is coupled with a lack of production means, complicating the South's wartime struggles.
Chapters 17-20
- As the war approaches Atlanta, its impact becomes increasingly pronounced on the characters, with personal losses mounting.
- The Battle of Gettysburg marks a turning point favoring Union forces, leading to scarcity in supplies and escalating wartime horrors.
- Sherman's march represents a devastating economic warfare, leaving indelible scars on Southern society and fueling horror stories among locals.
- Rhett’s complex relationship with Scarlett grows deeper as he exhibits both disdain and attraction, emphasizing their volatile dynamic.
Chapters 21-25
- Scarlett's reflection on her ancestors' perseverance illustrates the human capacity for resilience amid adversity.
- Different characters, like Rhett and Melanie, showcase diverse strengths while navigating a collapsing social order.
- Rhett’s shift toward patriotism, despite his inherent cynicism, signifies a personal transformation amidst the war chaos.
- Scarlett adopts a survival mantra, "I'll think about it tomorrow," prioritizing action over reflection to protect her interests.
Chapters 26-30
- Scarlett’s transformation reveals her ability to adapt to dire circumstances, harnessing her innate cunning and selfishness for survival.
- Melanie emerges as a contrast to Scarlett, showcasing unwavering kindness and determination that reflects traditional Southern values.
- Melanie’s declining health symbolism parallels the South’s degradation post-Civil War, emphasizing the shift in societal dynamics.
- The narrative employs derogatory language to reflect the era's prejudices, capturing the complexities and realities of the Old South.### Character Analysis: Pork and Stereotypes
- Pork uses derogatory terms to denounce other Black individuals, indicating self-hatred rather than a historical necessity of loyalty to white masters.
- The portrayal of slaves in Gone with the Wind leans heavily on stereotypes, failing to represent the complexities and struggles of real individuals.
- Historical context shows that many freed slaves left their white owners post-Civil War, contradicting Mitchell’s depiction of unwavering loyalty among house slaves.
Scarlett O'Hara’s Transformation
- Chapters 31-34 highlight Scarlett's evolution as she prioritizes survival over social honor, demonstrating adaptability in the face of postwar challenges.
- Her engagement to Rhett Butler seems to be a strategic move fueled by societal scorn rather than genuine affection, illustrating her disconnection from her former life.
- After her realization about Ashley's weaknesses, Scarlett becomes resolute in her mission to restore Tara.
Southern Rebuilding Post-Civil War
- In chapters 35-38, the narrative underscores Southern resilience as society slowly rebuilds itself amidst hardships, illustrated by unexpected marriages and social dynamics.
- Scarlett’s lumber mill success signifies economic recovery and a changing social landscape as class boundaries adjust following the war's devastation.
- Will Benteen serves as a unique depiction of a lower-class white character who becomes integrated into the O'Hara family, showcasing shifting class perceptions.
Racial Tensions and Consequences
- Chapters 39-46 reveal societal backlash against Scarlett after the Klan raid, spotlighting the intersection of race and gender responsibilities in postwar Atlanta.
- The novel portrays the dynamic of ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ slaves, reinforcing harmful stereotypes while vilifying freed individuals in a racially charged narrative.
- Big Sam’s desire to return to servitude is depicted as virtuous, underscoring a romanticized idealization of loyalty to white families.
Political Shifts and Family Dynamics
- Rhett Butler's party loyalty shift foreshadows changing political climates in the South; his pragmatism reflects a broader societal evolution.
- By choosing political allegiance based on social power rather than honor, Rhett illustrates the complexities of personal and societal survival during Reconstruction.
Scarlett, Rhett, and Personal Relationships
- In chapters 58-62, Bonnie’s tragic death symbolizes the collapse of Scarlett and Rhett’s marriage, linking past and present familial themes.
- Scarlett’s relationship with Rhett evolves amidst chaos, revealing complexities in love marked by jealousy, desire, and misunderstanding.
- Their inability to align emotionally signifies deeper issues in their relationship, exacerbating their struggles amid the backdrop of a changing South.
Final Reflections and Themes of Resilience
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The conclusion presents dual possibilities—Scarlett's determination to return to Tara suggests hope for rebuilding and survival, yet it also hints at unresolved issues in her character development.
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Scarlett’s journey speaks to the resilience of the South itself and suggests a need for adaptation in the face of shifting societal challenges.
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The closing mantra, "tomorrow is another day," encapsulates Scarlett's relentless spirit, underscoring both determination and potential stagnation in her reflections on past actions.### Key Characters from "Gone with the Wind"
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Ashley Wilkes:
- Handsome heir to the Twelve Oaks plantation.
- Represents the Old South's honor and tradition.
- Caught in nostalgia, struggles to adapt to postwar reality.
- Regrets not marrying Scarlett and becomes resigned after the war.
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Melanie Hamilton Wilkes:
- Frail and good-hearted wife of Ashley.
- Initially triggers Scarlett's jealousy but later forms a strong bond with her.
- Embodies resilience and inner strength despite the Old South's values.
- Supports Scarlett, exhibiting unwavering love during challenging times.
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Gerald O'Hara:
- Scarlett's father, loyal Confederate, and Irish immigrant.
- Strong-willed and selfish traits influence Scarlett's personality.
- Shares a deep affection for the South and their plantation, Tara.
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Ellen O'Hara:
- Scarlett's mother, from the aristocratic Robillard family.
- A model of refinement, compassion, and strength.
- Represents Scarlett's ideal, causing internal conflict between maternal expectations and personal desires.
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Mammy:
- Scarlett's childhood nurse and a symbol of loyalty.
- Old, heavyset slave, enforcing Southern etiquette.
- Becomes a significant reminder of the Old South after Ellen's death.
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Frank Kennedy:
- Scarlett's kind but weak second husband.
- Described as having a timid nature, akin to an "old maid in britches."
- Scarlett marries him to secure finances to save her home, Tara.
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Charles Hamilton:
- Melanie's brother and Scarlett's first husband.
- Timid and ordinary, leading Scarlett to lack affection for him.
- His early death limits Scarlett's freedom, imposing strict widowhood rules.
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Bonnie Blue Butler:
- Scarlett's youngest child and daughter of Rhett Butler.
- Spoiled and strong-willed, much like her mother.
- Becomes the focus of Rhett's affection, overshadowing Scarlett.
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Wade Hampton Hamilton:
- Scarlett's oldest child, son of Charles Hamilton.
- Inherits his father's timid and bland personality.
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Ella Lorena Kennedy:
- Scarlett's second child and daughter of Frank Kennedy.
- Described as ugly and silly, illustrating Scarlett's varied offspring.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the key themes and characters in the first four chapters of 'Gone With The Wind.' Explore the dynamics of wealth, social hierarchy, and traditional values as represented by the O'Haras and Wilkeses. Enhance your understanding with flashcards that summarize essential points from the chapters.
