Questions About Gone With the Wind

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Answered Questions (59)

Is this book ok for teenagers to read? Is it fiction?

Madeline Yes, older teens will like it, although some of the war talk and politics might not be so appealing to younger readers. Scarlett's plans for business …moreYes, older teens will like it, although some of the war talk and politics might not be so appealing to younger readers. Scarlett's plans for business dealings is another topic I would guess might not be as interesting either.

. The historical facts are very accurate even down to what the weather was like on the dates each battle was fought. The general storyline is so exciting and mesmerizing that I think a good reader will be swept up in a wonderful reading experience.

As to the slavery issue, much of Scarlett's relations to the slaves were based on Margaret Mitchell's own memories of the countless stories she heard from her older relatives about slaveholding. Not every slave owner was harsh and cruel which we are often led to believe. There were many kind owners who treated their slaves fairly and even like family.
It was a very emotional and passionate time in our history. It wasn't all black and white in anything. No pun intended., (less)

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It has been SO long since I've read this book and it certainly would be a joy to read it again. Probably worthwhile to check the history behind the writing of it. Wasn't that a banned book at one time?

Jess This book is a reflection of how the society of Atlanta in the early 20th century (including Margaret Mitchell) felt about the Civil War. I find that …moreThis book is a reflection of how the society of Atlanta in the early 20th century (including Margaret Mitchell) felt about the Civil War. I find that insight fascinating rather than off-putting. And the story of the characters would be amazing regardless of the historical context.(less)

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Why is it ok to romanticise slavery ? We know the unspeakable cruelty and brutality and inhumanity it entailed. If you did the same to German Nazis and the Jews in the second world war there would be an outcry. They are comparable.

Eric Does it though? It has characters that romanticize the plantation aristocracy of a bygone era, but there's little in the book that makes a modern read…moreDoes it though? It has characters that romanticize the plantation aristocracy of a bygone era, but there's little in the book that makes a modern reader think, "slavery, see, that was a great idea." It does acknowledge humanity within the southern aristocracy and achieves it in part by giving a biased account unrepresentative of the horrors of antebellum slavery, yes, this is true. I personally think a novel that gives insight into the humanity of people who it's hard to imagine had any is useful in more ways than just giving humanity to some culture that doesn't deserve it: by seeing how flawed humans rationalized their crimes so as to avoid facing the ugliness upon which they depend, we gain insight into ourselves, today. After all the world is imperfect and we rationalize whatever contribution we make to its flaws. Mitchell knows she wrote a book for the very Yankees that are demonized and other-ized within the novel to enjoy. She challenges us to walk a mile in the shoes we have other-ized. As horrific as nazi Germany was, a book that does the same for the Nazis could also be a worthwhile read. Understanding a toxic ideology is not the same thing as endorsing it.(less)

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Where to download pdf or audible books?

Angela Elder I borrowed the audible book from my local library using an app on my phone called LIBBY. That way I could listen on my phone whenever I wanted.

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am I the only one who does not like Ashley Wilkes at all? I feel like half of the time he just kept stringing Scarlett along, giving her false hope and poor Melanie deserved better!!!!

Deborah I don't think anybody liked Ashley Wilkes. He should have told Scarlett to take a hike somewhere around 1862. …moreI don't think anybody liked Ashley Wilkes. He should have told Scarlett to take a hike somewhere around 1862. (less)

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