Mammy: Mainstay of the Family or Fictionalized Caricature

If you’ve seen the movie, Gone with the Wind, you’ll probably agree that one of the most endearing characters is that of Mammy, Scarlett’s outspoken but loyal house servant/slave.  The movie Mammy seems to rule, not only the other slaves, but also the master, mistress and their children.  Her advice is sought-after and everyone relies [...]

Rhett Butler: From Devil-May-Care Scoundrel To Doting Dad

We meet Rhett Butler early on in the movie.  Standing in the expansive hallway of Twelve Oaks, his animal magnetism and piercing stare attract the attention of Scarlett O’Hara as she climbs the graceful winding staircase with her friends.  Scarlett’s companions inform her that Rhett Butler is the son of an honorable and distinguished family, [...]

Melanie Hamilton: Princess of Patience and Loyal Friend Extraordinaire

Do you have a BFF?  Is it someone who lived next door to you when you were little?  Or is it a person who came into your life during a time of crisis? I met my BFF when I was two years old…we lived in the same apartment house and our parents became good friends.  [...]