Character Thursday #2 Rhett Butler in Gone with The Wind

Rhett Butler is one of the most complicated characters in Gone With The Wind. As a Captain, Rhett Butler should have some sense of prestige for his rank in the armed forces. Yet his scandalous behavior can at times get him in trouble, and bring him public shame. For example, many Southerners view Rhett Butler as a traitor, or "scalawag" for his willingness to work with Northern reformers. In the aftermath of the Civil War, those Southern whites who were willing to work with Northerners to make Reconstruction happen had the potential to make a lot of money, but were also deemed traitors by many people in the South. In this way, Rhett Butler shows his desire for money and practical willingness to do what he can to advance himself in any situation.

Yet at times, Rhett Butler also shows great loyalty. When some men that he knows are in trouble for being suspected of their involvement with a raid, Rhett Butler puts on an act, showing up drunk and convincing and officer that he was at a brothel with those men during the time of that incident. So despite his "Scalawag" tendencies, Rhett Butler will protect those people that he cares about.

At heart, though, Rhett desperately wants to be accepted, not in terms of social position—though Rhett is later willing to take that route for Bonnie’s sake—but in the sense that he wants to be with someone who no longer makes him feel so alone. His family’s complete rejection left Rhett emotionally isolated, making him hide his soft heart and readiness to help others. Rhett sees himself in Scarlett, and he is convinced that only someone who is also a rebellious outcast would allow him to be an important part of her life

Rhett Butler has deeper intentions and values hidden beneath the surface. While he declares that he is not the marrying type, he winds up marrying Scarlett after the death of Frank Kennedy. He decides that his love for her is worth the risk, and he is unwilling to let Scarlett slip through his fingers again.

While Gone With The Wind is a very interesting book, especially because it is focused around the female protagonist Scarlett Butler, it is Captain Rhett Butler who truly makes this novel fascinating. Rhett Butler's complex character with a number of different motives and interests help draw in readers to this story. Rhett and Scarlett go hand in hand, for they are both survivors able to adapt to life in the South under very tumultuous circumstances.

I have to admit the dark hair and mustache made him look...darker (sexy).Oh and the best part? He has the BEST line of all time...
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

That is my Character Thursday of this week, an analysis of book character of my choice, who is yours?...