Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind remains a captivating and controversial classic. Its sprawling narrative, complex characters, and historical backdrop provide endless fodder for discussion. Whether you're a seasoned book club member or a newcomer to this iconic novel, these questions will help you delve deeper into its themes and complexities.
Part 1: Characters and Relationships
- Scarlett O'Hara: Is Scarlett a heroine or a villain? Analyze her strengths and weaknesses. How does she evolve (or fail to evolve) throughout the novel? Do you sympathize with her? Why or why not?
- Rhett Butler: What motivates Rhett? Is he a romantic hero, an anti-hero, or something else entirely? Discuss his relationship with Scarlett – its complexities, its passion, and its ultimate failure. How does he represent the changing South?
- Ashley Wilkes: How does Ashley's character contrast with Rhett's? Is he truly worthy of Scarlett's obsession? Analyze his role in the story and the impact he has on Scarlett and others.
- Melanie Hamilton Wilkes: How does Melanie's character challenge traditional notions of femininity in the novel? Discuss her role as a peacemaker and the complexities of her relationship with Scarlett.
- Secondary Characters: Choose one or two secondary characters (e.g., Mammy, Prissy, Gerald O'Hara) and discuss their significance to the overall narrative and the portrayal of Southern society.
Part 2: Themes and Motifs
- Survival and Resilience: How does the novel portray the theme of survival, both physical and emotional, during the Civil War and Reconstruction? Consider Scarlett's strategies and their consequences.
- Love and Obsession: Explore the different types of love depicted in the novel. How does Scarlett's understanding of love evolve? Is her obsession with Ashley a form of self-destruction?
- The Antebellum South and its Fall: Discuss the portrayal of the antebellum South, its societal structures, and the impact of the Civil War on its people and culture. How does the novel reflect historical realities, and where does it deviate?
- Class and Social Mobility: Analyze the social dynamics of the time, focusing on the interplay between different social classes. How does Scarlett's social standing change throughout the novel, and what strategies does she employ to maintain or improve it?
- Race and Slavery: This is a particularly sensitive and crucial aspect of the novel. Discuss the depiction of slavery and its impact on the characters and the narrative. Consider the novel's limitations and the perspectives it leaves out. What are the ethical implications of its portrayal?
Part 3: Literary and Cinematic Adaptations
- Margaret Mitchell's Writing Style: Discuss Mitchell's writing style. Is it effective in conveying the story and its themes? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
- The Film Adaptation: If you've seen the film adaptation, compare and contrast it with the novel. How faithful is the film to the source material? What aspects were changed, and why? What is lost or gained in the translation from page to screen?
Beyond the Book Club: Further Discussion Points
- The Novel's Legacy and Controversy: Discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the novel's portrayal of the Civil War and the South. What are its enduring strengths and weaknesses in light of contemporary sensitivities?
- Relevance Today: How relevant are the themes and issues explored in Gone With the Wind to contemporary society?
These questions offer a starting point for a rich and engaging discussion of Gone With the Wind. Remember to approach the text critically, considering its historical context and its complexities, to gain a deeper understanding of this enduring literary classic. Enjoy your book club meeting!
