Gone with the Wind (1939)

Brief Intro

“Gone with the Wind” is a 1939 American epic historical romance film directed by Victor Fleming, adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel of the same name. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, the film follows the turbulent love life of Scarlett O’Hara, a strong-willed Southern belle, as she navigates love, loss, and survival. Starring Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard, and Olivia de Havilland, it remains one of the most iconic and enduring films in Hollywood history.

Literary Devices Used in Gone with the Wind

1. Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scarlett’s green dress at the Twelve Oaks barbecue	The dress symbolizes her envy and desire
Tara, Scarlett’s plantation	Represents heritage and survival

2. Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scarlett’s determination to never go hungry again	Foreshadows her future ruthlessness
Rhett’s warning to Scarlett about the futility of the war	Indicates the South’s impending defeat

3. Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scarlett marries Charles Hamilton for spite, not love	Ironic because she ends up a widow quickly
Rhett leaving Scarlett despite their deep connection	Situational irony

4. Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The burning of Atlanta	Metaphor for the destruction of the old South
Scarlett’s repeated line “As God is my witness…”	Metaphor for her unyielding spirit

5. Personification

Movie Scene	Device Example
Tara, as Scarlett speaks to it as if it were alive	Tara is personified as a source of strength
The South itself depicted as a dying entity during the war	Personification of the region’s demise

6. Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scarlett’s vow of “I’ll never be hungry again!”	Exaggerates her desperation and resolve
Rhett’s declaration that Scarlett is the only woman he ever loved	Hyperbolic expression of his feelings

7. Imagery

Movie Scene	Device Example
The vivid depiction of the burning of Atlanta	Creates a strong visual impact
Scarlett walking through the field of wounded soldiers	Evokes the horror and scale of war

8. Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scarlett’s opulence contrasted with the poverty around her	Highlights societal disparities
Tara’s beauty versus the devastation of war	Emphasizes loss and resilience

9. Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Scarlett’s repeated return to Tara	The motif of home and survival
The recurring theme of lost love	Motif of unattainable happiness

10. Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to historical events and figures (e.g., Sherman’s march)	Grounds the story in real historical context
Scarlett’s character reminiscent of strong literary heroines	Alludes to archetypal strong women

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Scarlett O’Hara

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Her relentless pursuit of Ashley despite knowing he loves Melanie reflects her inability to recognize true love, which lies with Rhett.
Symbolism	Her green dress symbolizes her envy and desire to possess everything and everyone she wants.

Rhett Butler

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Rhett’s initial warning about the futility of the war hints at his pragmatic nature and eventual disillusionment.
Irony	Despite his deep love for Scarlett, he leaves her, highlighting the tragic irony of their relationship.

Ashley Wilkes

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Ashley represents the old South, clinging to outdated ideals and unable to adapt to the new reality.
Imagery	His portrayal in the plantation scenes creates a nostalgic image of the antebellum South.

Melanie Wilkes

Literary Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Melanie’s kindness and moral integrity contrast sharply with Scarlett’s manipulative nature.
Motif	Her consistent goodness and forgiveness act as a motif of unyielding virtue.

Character Dynamics

Scarlett and Rhett’s tumultuous relationship drives much of the narrative, highlighting themes of love, pride, and resilience. Their dynamic is marked by a blend of attraction and conflict, with literary devices like irony and foreshadowing underscoring the tragic nature of their love. Scarlett’s interactions with Ashley showcase unrequited love and self-deception, while her bond with Melanie reveals layers of jealousy, admiration, and eventual respect. These relationships not only develop the characters but also reflect broader themes of survival, honor, and transformation.

Thematic Analysis

Survival and Resilience

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Tara represents resilience and the importance of home and heritage for survival.
Hyperbole	Scarlett’s vow to “never go hungry again” emphasizes her determination to survive at all costs.

Love and Loss

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Scarlett’s pursuit of Ashley, despite being loved by Rhett, underscores the theme of lost and unrecognized love.
Motif	The recurring theme of lost love is evident in Scarlett’s relationships and unfulfilled desires.

Transformation and Change

Literary Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The burning of Atlanta serves as a metaphor for the destruction of the old South and the birth of a new order.
Juxtaposition	The stark contrast between Scarlett’s youthful innocence and her hardened post-war persona highlights personal and societal change.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Imagery	Vivid cinematography	The visual depiction of burning Atlanta enhances the imagery of destruction and chaos.
Symbolism	Costume design	Scarlett’s various dresses symbolize different aspects of her character and status changes.
Irony	Music score	The contrasting cheerful music during tragic scenes underscores the situational irony.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Burning of Atlanta
   • YouTube Link
     Breakdown: This scene uses powerful imagery and symbolism to depict the fall of the old South. The combination of vivid visuals and dramatic music heightens the sense of chaos and loss, encapsulating the broader themes of destruction and rebirth.
2. Scarlett’s Vow
   • YouTube Link
     Breakdown: Scarlett’s vow never to be hungry again is a pivotal moment, using hyperbole and dramatic performance to emphasize her resolve and foreshadow her future actions. The scene’s lighting and close-up shots intensify the emotional impact.

Conclusion

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz

1. What does Scarlett’s green dress symbolize?
   • A) Envy and desire
   • B) Wealth
   • C) Innocence
2. Which literary device is used when Rhett warns Scarlett about the war’s futility?
   • A) Metaphor
   • B) Foreshadowing
   • C) Hyperbole
3. What does Tara represent in the film?
   • A) Love
   • B) Wealth
   • C) Heritage and survival
4. Which character is a metaphor for the old South?
   • A) Rhett Butler
   • B) Ashley Wilkes
   • C) Scarlett O’Hara
5. What is the significance of the burning of Atlanta scene?
   • A) Symbolizes the end of the war
   • B) Represents the destruction of the old South and the beginning of a new order
   • C) Showcases Scarlett’s despair

Answers: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-B