Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about why she's on my Top 10 Heroines list.
I started watching Gone With The Wind again last night (started, may never finish... do you know how long that movie is?) and Scarlett has been on my mind a lot lately, both because of this list, and because Boy Scout is watching some American history series and we have been talking about the Civil War.
"Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tartleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the features of her mother, a Coastal aristocrat of French descent, and those of her florid Irish father."
Yeah, I read the book when I was 12, but like any good romance fan, I can quote the first lines pretty well. (Same with Rebecca)
ANYWAY, Scarlett.
While not the most likable heroine ever, she certainly has traits which are admirable, and which several other heroines could learn from. Her ability to persevere is unfathomable; the dedication she shows to reviving Tara in the post-war period is staggering, as is her (eternally annoying) devotion to one Ashley Wilkes. It doesn't matter what gets in her way, she seeks security and love with an iron-willed determination.
She's also a pretty loyal person, though often in an extremely perverse way. Scarlett outright saves Melanie's life at least once, and all because of her feelings for the woman's husband. "I promised Ashley" becomes her mantra, which is really interesting. In saving Melly (who she easily could have left to die), she shows at once her depth of feeling, and her strength of character despite superficial superficiality.
Where Scarlett fails painfully is in her stubbornness and inability to let go of the past. Sure you thought you were in love with Ashley once, but here's a man (that would be Rhett Butler) who kisses you "often, and by someone who knows how," loves your kids from all of your previous marriages (in the book) and gives you everything you have ever wanted. Except the one thing you refuse to admit you never really wanted in the first place.
So WHY is Scarlett on the list? Simple. There aren't very many heroines as enterprising or as resourceful, even though there are many with more self-awareness and ability to admit mistakes. While being Too Stupid to Live, Scarlett might just also be the forebearer of our kick-ass heroines. Behind no man will they cower and simper. They're out to conquer the world, and make no apologies.
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