Frank Settineri asked Alyssa Richards:

Maybe gumption was the overriding appeal of the book? I never thought of that. Great insight you have. Thanks

Alyssa Richards I agree w/ Margaret Mitchell's statement that GWTW ('s overriding appeal) is about survival. "Gumption" or the fight within us, is essential to survival. Margaret used to tour pre-Civil war plantations in the area with her mother and they discussed the massive change that that generation went through. How some survived and went on to prosper and others did not. She made that evident in Rhett's quote to Scarlett about (gumption-less) Ashley: “It isn’t losing their money, my pet. I tell you its losing their world – the world they were raised in. They’re like fish out of the water or cats with wings. They were raised to be certain persons, to do certain things, to occupy certain niches. And those persons and things and niches disappeared forever when General Lee arrived at Appomattox.” I think GWTW makes us aware that when it all falls apart (and as Rhett said, "this isn't the first time it fell apart and it won't be the last...") we have to choose if we're going to be an Ashley (morose w/ nostalgia) or like Scarlett (determined and courageous.) Personally, I believe we should not fear, and march boldly forward.

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