by generations of inbreeding between like-pedigreed cousins, is her downfall, as she is frequently ill and sickly. Her husband, Ashley, is her twin, representing the ideal Southern gentleman, and mirroring her background and constitution. In contrast, Scarlett is a 'mutt' of French and Irish heritage, and only a second-generation member of the plantation owners. During the time period, the Irish were of nearly the same social standing as black Americans, and Scarlett's Irish father gained Tara in a hand of poker. Physically, Scarlett is ferocious in survival, caustic in her relations, and has a sturdy physical constitution that enables her to endure most hardship, being rarely ill. While Melanie is praised as being the embodiment of the ideal Southern woman, Melanie's literal survival through the war and after is reliant on the 'mutt' Scarlett and Scarlett's breaking of societal rules. During the war, Scarlett is the one to provide the necessary strength to keep them going through starvation and violence, while delicate Melanie must rely on her. Scarlett's willingness to behave outside of the boundaries placed on women, such as killing soldiers, eating scraps, and seducing her sister's beau for money, ensure the continued survival of Melanie and Scarlett's family. Even after the war, Melanie's survival and position as a Southern matron is reliant on Scarlett's disregard for social niceties, as it is Scarlett's profitable lumber mill and shops which provide Melanie's husband, Ashley, with an income and position. Without the job Scarlett provides, Ashley, and therefore Melanie, would be unable to remain in the South and continue their culture. As a result of Scarlett protecting Melanie during trials, Melanie admires and protects Scarlett as she can in social settings. Melanie being placed on a pillar by Southern society can be viewed as their worship of the time and standards of the past, with the rejection of Scarlett being the rejection of the Southern post-war reality's need for practical survival. Melanie's fading and eventual death reflect the permanent loss of the pre-war glory, and Scarlett's final rejection of Melanie's husband indicate that the South is ready to move on from the past. References External links Female characters in film Female characters in literature Literary characters introduced in 1936 Fictional characters involved in incest Fictional slave owners Fictional people of the Confederate States of America Fictional characters from Georgia (U.S. state) Gone with the Wind characters