Summary
- Scarlett's views on marriage are cynical, viewing it as a means to an end rather than a source of happiness and love.
- Rhett values Scarlett's strength and determination, but their constant bickering and lack of for each other damages their relationship.
- The characters in Gone With The Wind struggle with loss, harship, and the changing times, but ultimately, they are resilient and capable of growth.
While it might not be considered a blockbuster today, 1939's biggest box office competition, and its quotes are still as insightful, romantic, and witty as they were over 80 years ago. Based on the novel by Margaret Mitchell, it follows feisty Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Lee) before, during, and after the Civil War shakes the foundations of the antebellum South. While trying to secure her future as her estate, Tara, crumbles around her, she engages in a ionate love affair with the rakish Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).
Scarlett pines for the dashing and sensitive Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), but he loves the pure-hearted Melanie Hamilton (Olivia de Havilland), and while Rhett isn't the man of her dreams, his pragmatism helps the Southern belle through war, famine, and poverty. Despite losing her sense of identity as the aristocratic and sheltered world she's known crumbles around her, Scarlett rises from the ashes a changed woman. Unfortunately, it's too late to repair her relationship with Rhett, who has come to see her as spoiled and spiteful.
30 "Marriage, Fun? Fiddle-Dee-Dee. Fun For Men You Mean."
Scarlett makes her feelings about commitment and marriage known early in Gone With The Wind when Rhett presses her on the subject. She treats it as a joke, but her humor belies her struggle to accept that while he may court her, Ashley doesn't view her as marriage material. She views marriage as a means to an end when her hope for true love dies.
29 "Whatever Happens, I'll Love You Just As I Do Now Until I Die."
This quote by Melanie Hamilton is an example of unfettered affection between her and Ashley. Where Rhett and Scarlett's romance is tempestuous and ionate, Melanie and Ashley's is constant and enduring. Her ability to be honest is one of the reasons why Ashley marries her rather than Scarlett, whose tendency to view love as transactional prevents her from finding it.
28 "And, You, Miss, Are No Lady.”
Rhett Butler snaps this reply after Scarlett declares, "Sir, you are no gentleman." Rhett would prefer that Scarlett drop the pretenses she hides behind in order to be considered more ladylike, but she clings to society's edifice in order to be well-liked by others. Rhett finds her best qualities emerge when she's authentically herself, rather than a feminine archetype.
27 "I've Never Heard Of Such Bad Taste."
This is Scarlett's response to Rhett Butler's proposal of marriage. Rhett never fits into Scarlett's carefully constructed expectations, but that doesn't stop him from trying to win her heart. In fact, the effort emboldens him, until after years of trying to prove himself, the effort wears him out.
26 "I Seem To Be Spoiling Everybody's Brandy, And Cigars, And Dreams Of Victory."
When Rhett discusses the impending Civil War with Ashley Wilkes and Melanie's brother (Scarlett's future husband), they believe he's speaking treason when he correctly deduces that the North is better equipped. They belittle his character, but Rhett is characteristically unphased. He mentions this quote, which reduces their outrage to nothing more than petty bickering.
25 "It Like To Turn My Blood Cold, The Things They Say To One Another."
Mammy is a problematic character as far as representation goes in Gone With the Wind. That being said, she's always candid about what's going on around her, and she states what the audience is thinking. She recognizes that though Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara share a great love, they also cut each other down far more than they build each other up, which is incredibly unhealthy.
24 "If You Don't Care What Folks Say About This Family, I Does!"
Mammy's role in Gone With The Wind is important to keep the events of the main characters in perspective. She always reminds Scarlett about what's the most important to focus on, including keeping up appearances no matter what state her life is in. As this quote proves, she takes pride in her household and the family she s, even if she often operates thanklessly unseen.
23 “Hardships Make Or Break People.”
Ever the realist, Rhett Butler understands that transformation and growth come from tackling difficult things. After nearly losing her home and her dignity, Scarlett O'Hara proves that she won't break. Unfortunately, Ashley's decision to marry Melanie Hamilton after courting her is the inciting incident in Scarlett's life that makes her constantly validate herself through men's eyes instead of her own.
22 “If I Said I Was Madly In Love With You, I’d Be Lying And What’s More, You’d Know It."
Scarlett declares this to Rhett Butler when he questions her feelings for him. Where he's able to be effusive about his emotions, she won't dignify his affections with a response other than being coy. Unfortunately, her reservations only make her more of a challenge for someone like Rhett, who finds winning her love as his highest priority.
21 "You're Like The Thief Who Isn't The Least Bit Sorry He Stole, But Is Terribly Sorry He's Going To Jail."
Rhett makes this observation of Scarlett based on her inability to ever it her part in any coercion. Whether it's trying to stick her nose into other people's professional or personal business, she always begs forgiveness rather than asking permission. Rhett finds the quality amusing at first, but this conscious refusal to see Scarlett's true character will lead to a lot of pain for him.
