Essential Masterpieces of World Literature - Gone with the Wind

Author: (USA) Mitchell, M. (Author), translated by Zhao Zhixiong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Gone with the Wind tells a love story set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The protagonist, Scarlett O'Hara, is the daughter of a wealthy and influential plantation owner in Georgia, USA. After experiencing heartbreak, a hasty marriage, and the grief of losing her husband, she comes to Atlanta with her son to stay with relatives. The change in environment significantly alters Scarlett's mood, and at a ball for departing soldiers, she meets the famous Atlanta businessman, Rhett Butler. Rhett asks Scarlett to be his mistress, but she refuses. However, when Union forces enter Atlanta, in desperation, Scarlett turns to Rhett for help. Rhett steals a broken carriage and manages to get her out of the city, rushing her to Tara Plantation in Georgia at night.
On April 1864, the Confederate Army surrendered, and the war finally ended. Many Southerners wept over their defeat. But Scarlett's mind was preoccupied with how to save Tara Plantation. When someone tried to seize the plantation, in desperation, Scarlett turned to Rhett again. However, Rhett was imprisoned on corruption charges, so Scarlett used a clever scheme to marry a wealthy man named Frank, saving Tara!
But soon, Scarlett discovered that Frank had no business acumen and ignored others' advice. As a result, their business failed. At this time, Rhett was released through his connections, and he lent Scarlett money. She secretly bought a bankrupt lumber mill and ran it alone. Later, Scarlett and Rhett got married and had a daughter named Bonnie. But Scarlett still held onto her old feelings for Ashley. This caused Rhett to drift away from her gradually. Adding to this, Bonnie died while riding a horse, and Rhett fell into heavy drinking, treating Scarlett as if she were a stranger. He eventually decided to leave and never return, leaving Scarlett alone in her sorrow.