Scarlet, the bitch, in Gone with the Wind

The character of Scarlet in the movie Gone with the Wind personifies this breakdown in gender roles and the power structure through the use of acting or staging.

Staging involves many aspects such as movement or actions, visual elements such as facial expressions and appearance, sound, and editing.  Her actions and choices throughout the movie differ significantly from those of the other characters and are met with resentment.  Her actions are contrasted with those of the other characters such as in the opening scene of the movie it is evident that Scarlet is a strong willed character after she slaps her sisters to calm her down.  In this scene, Scarlet replaces a male character who normally would have kept his women in line through physical abuse.  In 1939 this would have been seen as very progressive for a woman to take on a disciplinary role and would have been seen as threatening to a very patriarchal society.  Women at this time would never be in charge of a farm let alone the ‘help’.  Women were accused, during this time, of stealing men’s jobs and the general consensus was that men should have all available jobs because of World War two.  It was socially unacceptable for women to have successful careers when many men were unable to find employment.  Therefore through her actions Scarlet breaks down the gender roles by blurring the line between when men and women do.

Many instances throughout the film Scarlet’s facial expressions and posture are hard and unyielding even when contrasted with those of the men in the scene.  She is highlighted as a super woman with no pity or remorse.  When compared to those of the men in the scene the qualities that she exhibits are seen in a negative light.  For example the scene in which she is inspecting the timber mill is another example of how her acting further breaks down the gender roles.  She is in charge in this scene, her posture and facial expressions allow the audience to see that she is indifferent and satisfied with what she is presented.  She easily dismisses her husband and Ashley when they question her judgement and her morals with regard to the use of slaves.  This scene demonizes all women that are successful and who are willing to go out of their way to ensure their success.  This behaviour in the 1930’s was socially acceptable for men; they would do what they could to ensure that they came out on top and at the time many places would not hire married women because the jobs were for men.  This demonstrates how Scarlet challenges the current power structure by taking of male attributes and illustrates that woman are capable of running and owning businesses just like men.  

The next aspect of staging this is quite significant is this film is sound.  The words that Scarlet says have a profound impact on her character development throughout the film.  An example of this at the beginning of the film when Scarlet states that she does not make anyone do anything that she does not do herself, illustrating Scarlet’s work ethic and her belief that hard work will pay off.  This is contrasted with her sisters who are working along side her; they seem lazy and make it clear that they would rather not be working in the field and are later seen as the morally acceptable women.  The work ethic of Scarlet compared to that of her sisters reflects the current women’s movement at the time; there was a divide between the women who wanted equality at all costs and the women who wanted suffrage but were concerned that with complete equality they would loose the protection that already existed.  At the time it was socially acceptable for women to want to vote however, pure equality was a radical ideal.  Another example of how sound plays a role in the development of Scarlet’s character and the breakdown of gender roles is the narrative of Ret gives when he states “you’ve grown and heart, a real woman’s heart” while she is trying to manipulate him in to giving her $300 for the taxes on Tara.  He believes that she has become like every other woman shedding a negative light on her true character.  This reflects on the societal views of feminism of the late 1930’s; that the women that are willing to do anything to ensure their safety and survival are heartless.  It also demonstrates that there is a line at which you may not cross to save your family.  It was more socially acceptable to be poor and homeless then to sell yourself to ensure that your family was comfortable.  The spoken words of the characters in this film contribute greatly to Scarlet’s character in that they enhance her feminist qualities.  

Editing and the idea of realism are the last two elements of staging work together to create a world in which the audience is able to accept.  Editing allows the director to have control over how the film is shaped and what world is produced.  They are able to create scenes that help illustrate Scarlet’s character and further demonstrate the perception on the feminist movement at the time.  For example the use of male personality traits in scenes such as when Scarlet runs the mill; she does not show much pity on the workers. The indifference that Scarlet shows makes her character seem cold and heartless which is a trait generally found in men during this time.  In 1939 and even today feminism were viewed as radical women trying to take over the power structure; believing that women should be in control.  The editing adds to how the power structure can and will be changed if women act the way that Scarlet does.  No man wants to be treated the way that Scarlet treats her men.  

In conclusion this movie is a paradox of what is happening in America in the late 1930’s.  Women did enjoy much more freedom and were able to advance their aspirations, which are depicted through Scarlet.  She is extremely progressive and sheds light on what women would have to look forward to and foreshadows what the women’s movement will do over the next years.  Gone with the Wind highlights many of the struggles that women faced in their day to day lives, some of which still occur today; many times throughout the movie Scarlet is rejected by her friends and family because she believes that hard work and money are important.  When compared with her male counterpart, Ret he is not as nearly shunned by the community that he lives in for the same behaviour.  Being progressive and having a job was considered to be taboo for women.  This film accurately reflects the views held by society at the time; women were not to hold jobs, and were not to be successful.  Scarlet is personified as a radical feminist throughout the movie and is someone that women should not want to be like.  The film also highlights the consequences of have ideals similar to Scarlet; you will be shunned.  This is similar to views even today.  Many people associate the word feminism with women that want to change to the power structure to put themselves on top, as opposed to what most feminists want; equality.

Work Cited

Berklin, Carol, Christopher L. Miller, Robert W. Cherny, James L. Gormly, and W. Thomas   Mainwarning. Making America: A History of the United States. 2nd Ed.

Hogeland, Lisa Maria. Feminism and Its Fictions.

        (Pennsylvania:  University of Pennsylvannia Press)

McConnell, Jennifer. Feminism in Gone With the Wind.

No Author, Women’s Rights in America

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