<P> Outwardly , Scarlett is the picture of southern charm and womanly virtues , and a popular belle with the country males . The one man she truly wants , however , is her neighbor , Ashley Wilkes -- the one man she ca n't have . The Wilkes family has a tradition of intermarrying with their cousins , and Ashley is promised to his cousin , Melanie Hamilton of Atlanta . Scarlett 's motivation in the early part of the novel centers on her desire to win Ashley 's heart . When he refuses her advances ( which no well - bred Southern lady would be so forward as to make ) , she takes refuge in childish rage , and spitefully accepts the proposal of Charles Hamilton , Melanie 's brother , in a misguided effort to get back at Ashley and Melanie . </P>
<P> Outwardly , Scarlett is the picture of southern charm and womanly virtues , and a popular belle with the country males . The one man she truly wants , however , is her neighbor , Ashley Wilkes -- the one man she ca n't have . The Wilkes family has a tradition of intermarrying with their cousins , and Ashley is promised to his cousin , Melanie Hamilton of Atlanta . Scarlett 's motivation in the early part of the novel centers on her desire to win Ashley 's heart . When he refuses her advances ( which no well - bred Southern lady would be so forward as to make ) , she takes refuge in childish rage , and spitefully accepts the proposal of Charles Hamilton , Melanie 's brother , in a misguided effort to get back at Ashley and Melanie . </P>
scarlets first love in gone with the wind
scarlets first love in gone with the wind
Ashley Wilkes
Ashley Wilkes