Gone With The Wind: Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Summary: Scarlett looks forward to a life without the bonds of widowhood.  We learn that Rhett calls on Scarlett quite regularly and even looks forward to his visits.  We get a quick description of the economic landscape in Atlanta at the time of the Civil War and a history of Rhett Butler's rise and subsequent decline in popularity amongst the gentry.  At first he is described as scandalous but able to get the things a person wants in these difficult times, thus giving him the romantic air of a pirate.  Then, as if growing bored, he stops courting their favor and proceeds to tell the most truthful things about the war.  It all comes to a head at Mrs. Elsing's party when he, once again, tells the truth behind the war.  The Southerners feel that Rhett is a traitor and the only home willing to accept him, after the party, is the Wilkes' residence.  Melanie refuses to exclude a man who expresses the same sentiments her husband expresses in his letters.  Scarlett finds it odd that a man like Ashley and a scoundrel like Rhett could have anything in common, then she realizes that Rhett isn't willing to die for something in which he doesn't believe.

Katiebug's Response: This entire section is omitted from the movie - We finally see the payoff for Scarlett reading Ashley's letters.  It was necessary for us to know what was in them in order for us to understand why Melanie would go against the rest of society.   Scarlett and Rhett's relationship develops, though Scarlett is not ready to admit that maybe she loves him.