Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I had some time for reading over the long weekend so I thought I would just get this topic posted.

I find myself disliking Scarlet more and more as the chapters progress. Does anyone else feel like that as well? She's so dumb and self-centered, and seems to have no desire to be more learned or nicer. There are moments where she seems to realize that she's not a nice person (especially when interacting with Melanie) but cares not a speck about it. It's infuriating.

And Rhett Butler - he is a scoundrel isn't he? He's totally got Scarlett's number though - which I kind of like.

(finally finished this section!)

I know we talked about this a little on one of the other threads, but I don't think Scarlett is dumb. I think self-centered is apt, but not dumb. The culture of the South, at least as described in the very beginning of the book -- is anti-education. The Tarleton boys are proud of how they've been kicked out of every college, and people who read books are strange, and and and. Further -- what's Scarlett going to gain by becoming smarter? She can get almost everything she wants by batting her lashes and having a tiny waist. No, I don't like Scarlett either, mostly because she doesn't have a thought in her head that doesn't involve herself.

Rhett -- I'm still trying to make my mind up about. He's dastardly and "dangerous" and all that -- and he breaks the norms. I feel like it's hypocritical to like Rhett and not Scarlett, since they're so alike. But I can't quite put my finger on it yet. Also, as exciting as he is, he's still a manipulative bastard. And liking that kind of character makes me anxious.

As a side note, I LOVE LOVE LOVED Ashley's letter about why he's fighting. Loved it so much I've been reading it aloud to everyone who will listen.

Sorry, I've been out of town. I'll catch up on the next two sections in a snap. I find this book so readable.

I find myself wondering what Scarlett could accomplish if she was raised in a more modern society. She is charismatic, powerful, perceptive, and obviously intelligent. I think she is so unhappy because she was never educated to her full potential, and she is so indoctrinated she will never know why she should care about that.

What I don't understand about Rhett is that he seems to really care about Scarlett. he is certainly investing a lot of time in her to make her see things his way. But I don't think that Scarlett could ever really care for him. She already knows that she has conquered him in her own way, and I don't think she could really love someone that already loved her.

My heart breaks for Ashley and all the men that had to fight in a war that they understood was already lost, because the things they were fighting for have already been irrevocably changed.

Becky wrote: "She already knows that she has conquered him in her own way, and I don't think she could really love someone that already loved her."

I think you've hit the nail on the head, there.

As for what she could in present day -- hmm. I don't know if we can blame her -- lack of likeability on her non-existent education. She's so single-minded. She probably could have even had / been more if she had tried, but the ONLY thing she thinks about -- other than herself -- is Ashley. Would she turn that energy outward if she "knew better"? Or would she just be content to -- I don't know. Be a Paris Hilton type.

That's an excellent point about Scarlett loving Rhett. She's completely in it for the chase. I'll be curious to see how their relationship continues to reel out over the next 700 pages.

I keep flipping back and forth, liking Scarlett and hating her. I love Rhett.

I have the same troubles. Scarlett can be so heartless and selfish, but I admire her willingness to break with tradition, her individualism, and her resourcefulness. Rhett is such a great foil for the story.

I definitely think Scarlett was ahead of her time.

I'm trying really hard to catch uo to y'all. Also, fyi, I saw that Gone with the Wind will air on Thanksgiving, forget which channel, though.

I think Scarlett is into him because he's not like all of the other men swooning over her. He doesn't succumb to her charms, and she finds it frustrating and exhilarating.

What is so funny is the back and forth with the Atlantans, that half the time Rhett is their darling, and the other half, he's the evil man trying to make money. I love how Melanie stands up for him, though, based on the good conduct that she knows. I think he truly does respect her, in a way that he doesn't any other woman. She's a true Southerner, but she's honest to herself and her own nature, which is sweet and loving. He isn't attracted to her nature, because it's too "good" for him, but he respects her because she's honest.

I honestly thought to myself after the whole letter reading thing that this girl could use a copy of He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys.

Brett is interesting what I don't get is why he gave her that speech about corrupting her after giving her the bonnet.