Gone With the Wind: Chapter 22

Summary:
After failing to find help, Scarlett is left to deliver Melanie's baby alone.  Melanie endures hours of labor in the heat of an Atlanta summer, she attempts to stifle her cries of pain until Scarlett assures her she doesn't have to be brave.  The actual birth of Melanie and Ashley's child is not documented in the chapter but we're told that it was a trying ordeal for Scarlett.  She is just starting to recover in the shadows of the porch when an explosion near Five Points brings her to her feet.  Convinced the Yankees have progressed that far and will certainly kill anyone that comes across their path, Scarlett struggles to find a means of escape for her charges.  It's then that she remembers Rhett Butler and sends Prissy to find him by any means necessary.

Katiebug's Response:
This chapter moves slowly and definitely gives the reader that feeling of waiting for a baby to be born.  For all of the panic and urgency that goes with childbirth there is a lot of waiting for something to happen.  It amazes me that Scarlett continues to stay and honor her promises; that she is able to stifle her fear and be strong for Melanie.  She hates being stuck there and is very afraid that the Yankees will kill them all, but she stays with Melanie and refuses to let anything upset her rival during her labor pains.  She has fully taken over the role of caregiver.

Then, in her moment of dire need, she turns to Rhett for help.  She knows her limitations and knows the capabilites of others will help her achieve her goals.  In this instance, she knows that she needs to get out of Atlanta and after their last meeting Rhett wouldn't be likely to help her alone.  But with the message that the beloved Mrs. Wilkes has had her baby and needs to be evacuated, Scarlett is sure that Rhett will come to their aid.  We're seeing how her powers of manipulation are useful for more than flirting and new clothes.