Reading the Chunksters discussion

Just working my way through these Chapters, but I wanted to get the thread up so people can post as they get to and through these chapters.

**SPOILERS**

So, Scarlet gets married again. I have to say that until right up to the moment that Frank picked her up in the buggy, I didn't see it coming. Then it was like, of course that's what she's going to do.

And she's in business with Rhett. Anyone else think that this is probably the 'in' for the two of them?

Also, not directly related to this section, but why is it, do you think, that Rhett joined the Confederacy at the end of the war? Maybe we'll find out as the chapters move on, but I can't put my finger on a selfish, or selfless for that matter, reason why he would join.

I'm almost caught up with the group! It's nice to finally read this. :) I saw the movie long ago. I can't remember anything out of context, but once a scene is introduced I am surprised by how much I remember. What a shame!

My guess is that Rhett is damaged goods. He puts up a front, but perhaps he did feel ashamed that he was profiting from the war while so many of his peers were suffering. I feel that Scarlett serves a mirror for Rhett. She was very self centered when she told him that she was glad that he didn't join the war, just so he could be available to steal a horse and drive her away from Atlanta. I think that comment disgusted him. And perhaps at that moment he looked inward and saw his selfishness as equal to or even exceeding hers. I don't know that joining the war really changed anything about that part of his nature, but it was a frantic night that perhaps led to an impulsive decision. And after this, perhaps he'd be too prideful to back down.

I'm not entirely sure though. Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

I think that Rhett has much more depth and breadth of emotion than Scarlett gives him credit for. I think he was truly hurt when she came to visit him and he realized that she was really just there for his money. I think he admired her for her zeal to save the farm and admired her for her ability to almost catch him, but I think it hurt him all the same. I think he really does love her. I just don't think he has much faith or stock in "institutions" like marriage, the South, the military, family, tradition, etc.

I still think that Rhett joined the fight in the end because it was a losing cause. I don't think he ever would have joined if the South had won, or even if the South hadn't become such a desperate situation. His life has kind of been like making the best of a losing situation, he was cast out from his family, from society, and the South was going the same way and that's when he jumped in. I don't think he likes bullies, and he wasn't about to stay and see Northern bullies burn everything.

I was more intrigued by all the descriptions about the male perception of women at this point. That Frank is so aghast that she's working and doing business! Heaven forbid she have a head for numbers! I guess I keep forgetting that this really was the mentality at the time, and it was completely socially unacceptable for a woman to be doing business and making a profit. Different times, for sure!

What a ruthless witch she is, though! To steal her sister's fiance! Although, if a man can't even be bothered to speak to the women in question to get her side of the story, I guess he deserves what he gets. But poor Suellen! I do have to feel sorry for Frank... he is delusional, thinking a baby will make Scarlett happy! Does he not notice how little she pays attention to the child she already has?

Totally agree with Alana here. But if you think about it there is still kind of a boys club mentality when it comes to women in business.

I am glad less and less women care about that though and just push forward anyway like Scarlett did.

I feel bad for Sueellen but I also get it. What other options did she really have?