Emerging within the classic literature tapestry set in Georgia and Atlanta, Southern United States, during the Civil War era and Reconstruction period, Scarlett O’Hara came to light as a delicate yet proud flower blooming among the masses within the pages of the timeless novel "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. Scarlett starkly contrasts with the conventional perceptions of femininity of her era. She refuses to conform and defies societal mores of her time, rather, she embodies a breath of fresh air, a modern force willing to express herself, to live true to her thoughts and love aspirations, and above all, she has the nerve to rise and shatter the gender divide - that supposed unassailable stronghold of the contemporary society.
Breaking gender stereotypes, dismantling barriers—building a voice of one’s own: powerful, yet solitary…
Scarlett O’Hara, a woman living in the feudal society of the Western world, emerged in an era where prejudices were deeply embedded in the collective consciousness, flowing unchallenged through generations and across long stretches of history. Yet this resilient flower never once bowed to those impositions or rigid frameworks.
“And if happiness is denied, then that is the fate of women. The world belongs to men, and women are expected merely to accept it. Men own the estates; women manage them. Men claim all the credit for conquest; women are obliged to praise men’s ingenuity. Men bellow like wild bulls when jostled, while women must clench their teeth and not cry out in childbirth for fear of worrying their husbands. Men speak harshly and drink heavily. Women must not interrupt, but quietly help the drunk to bed without a word of reproach. Men are rough and blunt; women are forever gentle, noble, and forgiving.”
This was the society Scarlett was expected to blend into—or risk being cast aside. But she refused. She was not like them. She lived by her own thoughts, took initiative in what she desired, and yearned to be the master of her own life.
Her voice was wholly unfamiliar—a new current of vitality that, if left unchecked, could become a storm sweeping away everything in its path. Scarlett stood apart from Southern women, whom society preferred to view as delicate creatures in need of male protection. She understood that she, too, was expected to perform the role of an empty-headed doll, and she despised that feigned “necessity.”
Why must women always sacrifice themselves for men?
Why must women be gentle, beautiful, well-mannered, obedient—ever accommodating—simply to please men?
Why must they accept lives whose endings are decided by others?
When did our destinies become tied to the degree of male approval?
Scarlett was not like that. Though she knew she was alone, though she knew she differed from “those girls,” she never allowed fear to drive her into retreat or silence. Instead, she gathered courage again and again to rise, to regenerate, and to radiate a light that was entirely her own—hers alone, and no one else’s.
She always knows her own worth, knows what she needs and what she should do. She eschews the well-trodden paths, eschews imitation to garner affection, eschews confine to exist. She is aware that "women curse her behind her back but secretly envy her. Men feel offended and outraged by her audacious actions yet are willing to fight to death just to proffer her dessert." The value of a person never lies totally in 3-round measurements, nor in glamorous attire, nor in outward beauty but is affirmed through patience, unwavering will, resilient courage in the face of adversity, perseverance, and problem-solving ability in dire straits. Scarlett not once allows herself to give up in any circumstance, single-handedly rebuilding Tara from the ruins, from the faint breaths of post-war remnants. Surely, in those times, such deeds were at no time sanctioned for women to resolve single-handedly, she however, despite all criticisms, built an entire garden of her own. She constantly fights for her power and position in society, invariably striving to assert herself no less than any man, even surpassing many in the realm of commerce, restlessly pursuing what she desires in order to rise in a world where men often receive preferential treatment. Scarlett always challenges the conventions of a genteel woman. Thus, she is regarded with contempt by many, even so she never hesitates to hold her head high in the face of people’s reactions, her fervor is akin to a fire with countless aspirations, never swayed by the gusts of winds around her and will never let itself be extinguished because of others. A girl who understands herself thoroughly is also a girl whom few can touch, though a creation from nearly a century ago, the warmth of the blazing fire within her still leaves behind invaluable values about thoughts, ideas, and impressions when daring to stand up to live her life, by her own ideals.
The tragedy of Scarlett’s love life—laden with loss and heartbreak, yet at the same time sustained by an unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow…
Scarlett O'Hara, like many young women of her era, yearned for the true love of her life. Sadly, her romantic journey was painted with shades of sorrow. However, her intense love and unwavering resilience continue to serve as timeless inspirations for future generations. From her tender years, Scarlett's heart was acquainted with love, confessing her affection for Ashley, a love forever beyond her reach. Yet, amidst the throes of pain, she persisted in her pursuit of love, fully aware that she and Ashley could never be united. Scarlett's romantic endeavors were not mere blooms of roses; they were laden with profound emotions, heartache, and choices conflicting with her heart's desires. She wed not for genuine affection but for desire and folly. Nevertheless, through these perceived missteps, she gleaned invaluable lessons about love. Now, Scarlett recognizes her true love in Rhett Butler, who had been there all along. Although beguiled by his sophistication and valor, she failed to grasp Rhett's unconditional love until she lost everything. Rhett Butler, along with their young daughter, left Scarlett desolate. Upon the steps of their loveless home, she nearly collapsed. Tears fell like bitter drops, and in that moment, she realized she had forsaken her true love, a love that slipped away before she could turn back. Despite it all, she returned to Tara, witnessing life's myriad upheavals. She accepted reality and looked towards the future, buoyed by the hope that tomorrow would bring a fresh start.
Though "Gone with the Wind" was penned nearly a century ago, Scarlett O'Hara's approach to love still resonates with contemporary women. She epitomizes a character of gentle fortitude, resolutely determined and passionately ablaze like a flickering flame. "Love is not about how much you say 'I love you,' but about how much you prove it's true" (Zane). Scarlett navigated an era where women were perceived as feeble, passive, and devoid of independent thought or action. Yet, she stood independent and resolute, fighting for her love by capturing Rhett Butler's heart, the man she genuinely loved. Despite the tale's denouement sans Rhett and Scarlett together, deep down, she clings to the belief that she can reclaim him. Scarlett did not wait for love; instead, she forged and seized the heart of her beloved. Despite enduring myriad losses and heartaches, Scarlett remained true to her heart, unafraid to articulate her sentiments. Whether for Ashley or Rhett, she never shied away from professing her love and demonstrating affection through attentive care. Scarlett harmonized emotion and reason in matters of the heart. After countless vicissitudes, with a loving heart, she finally recognized the value of sincere love and forgiveness.
"Feeling pity for the fate of a girl, who is also a person,
How could she bear to leave her youthful spring halfway?
Would Mr. Moon ever tire of teasing endlessly,
While Mrs. Milky Way cleverly stops her lamentations?
Flowers still bloom, bees still buzz around,
The wind has faded the fragrance, butterflies have withered
Too fed up with celestial arrangements,
Xuân xanh được mấy chút thương ôi.
(Ho Xuan Huong - Excerpt from "Alas, the plight of a woman")
Though living in disparate eras and cultural milieus, Scarlett O'Hara and Ho Xuan Huong share parallels in thought and ethos. Both epitomize unwavering independence, shattering societal norms and constraints. If Ho Xuan Huong was renowned for her profound ideals, daring to voice her critiques of Vietnamese society and advocating for women's rights, Scarlett O'Hara defied the conventions of her time, where women were relegated to homemakers, submissive to their spouses. "How can one live without love, without remembrance, without cherishing anyone?". Both Scarlett and Ho Xuan Huong regarded love as a natural impulse, yet their modes of expression were singular, defying societal conventions of their respective cultures. They pursued their enduring loves despite societal taboos, as the societal dictum of "children should abide by their parents' decisions" was ingrained in Vietnamese society, and pragmatic marriage prevailed in the US. Though their tales did not culminate in a union with their beloved, what they left behind was a steadfast belief in love, that one day, they would find reciprocated affection.
Wandering through pages brimming with humanistic ideals, with clear cognizance of gender values from over 80 years ago, we come to realize not only the ideals but also the unarticulated grievances of women in that era. They aspired to live according to their own convictions yet were derided, kept at arm's length. They sought the happiness they yearned for yet resigned themselves to letting go. In that era, they were anomalies, but it's precisely their anomaly that ensures the endurance of their values to this day. VFSA hopes that through this, we can all affirm that every woman is a blossom, each radiating through her own choices, transcending constraints, and soaring freely with life's gusts.
Authors: Nguyễn Thúy Nga, Phạm Khánh Linh
English 
Vietnamese
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