METTLE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY: SCARLETT O’HARA IN MARGARET MITCHELL’S GONE WITH THE WIND

Abstract

Challenges and struggles have been an inevitable part of a woman’s life since time immemorial.The present study analyses the character of the female protagonist, Scarlett O’Hara, in Margaret Mitchell’s literary masterpiece, Gone with the Wind in the backdrop of her struggle for survival.It attempts to comprehend the lead character’s grit and determination to emerge out of the challenging conditions with an undying spirit. The methodology adopted involves considering the literary theories, setting, research works and themes like survival and resilience in the work to analyze Scarlett’s character. The study implies that one’s own strength and conviction can make an individual succeed just as Scarlett fends for her family in the times of distress that the war had brought about. She ensures that her ancestral home Tara is restored after it gets ruined in the attacks. Scarlett is a go getter in all respects which is proven by depicting that she can resort to any means to fulfill her aspirations. Though the means adopted by Scarlett were not considered conservative, the findings elicit that she remained steadfast to accomplish her goals. Analysis of Scarlett’s character showcases the motivation that contemporary women can gain and learn from her. Scarlett defied all odds in a patriarchal society to have her way by all means emphasizing on adaptation during times of distress. Tracing out the relationship between the social events at the time of writing and the fighting spirit of the lead character make it an awe inspiring study.