Literary Analysis Of Scarlet O Hara - 896 Words

Juliette Wallace Miss Aiken AP English Literature and Composition 1 January 2015 Literary Perceptions of Women Delicate, modest, well mannered, fragile, and gentle have been amongst the words used to depict the traditional, ideal woman for generations. Movies, television shows, and written literary works have continually painted the portrait of a nearly unattainable female image, and have established an atmosphere of subordination and distinction between the two genders. In even the most canonized literary works, women are often portrayed as being inadequate. However, there are also many female embodiments of strength, dignity, and passion. Scarlet O’Hara, Nora Helmer, and Edna Pontellier radiate all of these traits, while maintaining their own unique characteristics. They each defy the standard roles of women, and form their own identities in even the most oppressive cultures. Gone With the Wind is regarded as perhaps one of the most dramatic and prolonged works of all time. Seeing as the cinematic depiction reaches a lengthy four hours, the audience is able to receive a wealth of appreciation for each of the movie’s dynamic characters. Initially introduced as a mindless Southern Belle, Scarlet O’Hara rules as the protagonist of the film, manipulating male suitors and acting as a prominent businesswoman to save her family estate. Her famous lines preceding the intermission express her ambition, brutality, and determination: As God as my witness, as God as my witness, they