Gone With the Wind: Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Summary:  Dr. Meade is inspired to write a letter to the editor, at the insistence of Mrs. Merriweather, regarding the food speculators and blockaders who are taking advantage of their fellow Southerners.  The letter describes Rhett's actions to the letter and, without mentioning his name, lets the rest of society know Rhett is no longer welcome in Atlanta.  Scarlett and Melanie both continue to receive Rhett despite this.  Melanie because she genuinely believes Rhett has done nothing to deserve this treatment and Scarlett because she likes the gifts Rhett brings her.  Rhett tempts Scarlett to further abandon her mourning with the gift of a beautiful hat.  Melanie comes home very agitated because Belle Watling, a local prostitute, cornered her in the street.  Normally proper ladies do not converse with those of Belle's ill repute, but Belle wanted to donate money to the hospital and no one else would accept it.  Melanie, of course, does but is caught talking by Uncle Peter.  She goes to Scarlett for help and it's discovered that Belle's donation is wrapped up in one of Rhett Butler's handkerchiefs.  Scarlett bristles at the idea that Rhett's been visiting Belle as often as he's visited her and burns the handkerchief in the stove.

KatieBug's Response: ***Different from the movie: Rhett does kiss Scarlett after giving her the hat, but only on the cheek.  Melanie meets up with Belle Watling on a walk home from the hospital but without anyone else around.***  First of all, I was upset that Rhett chides Scarlett for reading the newspaper.  She is trying to argue on his level and he tells her that reading newspapers "addles women's brains."  It was really difficult to read that as a modern woman.