Gone With the Wind: Chapter 29

Summary:

In April, the Confederacy surrenders and the war is over but it's not until two weeks later that the news reaches Tara.  Neighbors start to return to what's left of their homes and Scarlett is simply glad because she won't have to worry about thieves anymore.  The Fontaine boys return and stop in to visit Tara.  They discuss the problems of marriage now that the war is over and everyone is left with nothing.

Cathleen Calvert comes by a few days later to announce her marriage plans with the Yankee overseer at her parents farm.  She is unable to accept congratulations as she is only marrying him out of necessity.  Melanie seems to understand instinctively and scolds Scarlett when she asks if Cathleen could possibly be in love with the overseer.

Katiebug's Response:

Scarlett can't get her head around Cathleen marrying the overseer for security.  Even though her own marriage to Charles wasn't for love and she's convinced that Ashley really loves her and not his wife, it seems that Love is the only plausible reason for marriage in Scarlett's mind.  Melanie, of course, understands the emotional complexity of the situation.  Which really makes me think Scarlett has the emotional depth of a puddle.  She is a strong willed woman and her instinct to survive will get everyone through the lean times.  But she helps these people out of loyalty and duty rather than love and generosity as Melanie would.  The two together will make a strong and powerful pair.