Rhett Butler Character Analysis in Gone with the Wind

Rhett Butler is the mysterious stranger who captures Scarlett’s attention at the Wilkes’ barbecue; he later becomes her third husband. He is swarthy and handsome, with a powerful figure, pirate-like features, and a mocking smile. Before the war, he has a bad reputation because he is rumored to have stayed out all night with a girl and then refused to marry her. He also horrifies Southerners because he thinks the South is only “cotton and arrogance,” and that they have no chance against the North in the war. When the war begins, Rhett resides in Atlanta and becomes a rich blockader who runs supplies and luxuries in from England for the South and the Confederate army. Although this makes him exciting, he is still despised for being only a “speculator,” and for constantly insisting the South is conceited and blind to support the Cause. He takes an interest in Scarlett because they are both “rascals,” by which he means they’re unsophisticated, practical, and opportunistic. After the Confederacy falls, Rhett becomes rich with Confederate gold. He is accused of being a Scallawag and of being friends with Governor Bullock. Rhett likes to pretend that he doesn’t care very deeply about anything, spending his money lavishly and making light of the Cause and his feelings for Scarlett. However, he is devotedly respectful to Melanie Hamilton, and he loves children. Furthermore, he has moments of patriotism and sentimentality. Eight months before the war ends, he joins the Confederate army. Also, his love for his and Scarlett’s daughter Bonnie Blue is so strong that he is willing to charm the Old Guard and become a Democrat because he thinks it’ll help her future prospects, even though he ruthlessly made fun of them for years. At the end of the novel, he also refuses to work things out with Scarlett, defeated after years of trying to make her realize she loves him. Throughout the novel, Rhett represents the new South, but in the end he only looks nostalgically back to his youth in Charleston.

Rhett Butler Quotes in Gone with the Wind

The Gone with the Wind quotes below are all either spoken by Rhett Butler or refer to Rhett Butler . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

The Civil War and Reconstruction Theme Icon

“Only when like marries like can there be happiness.”

Related Characters: Gerald O’Hara (speaker), Scarlett O’Hara , Melanie Wilkes (Hamilton) , Ashley Wilkes , Rhett Butler

Page Number and Citation: 53

Explanation and Analysis:

“I have seen many things that you all have not seen. The thousands of immigrants who’d be glad to fight for the Yankees for food and a few dollars, the factories, the foundries, the shipyards, the iron and coal mines—all the things we haven’t got. Why all we have is cotton and slaves and arrogance. They’d lick us in a month.”

Related Characters: Rhett Butler (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 123

Explanation and Analysis:

Why had he gone, stepping off into the dark, into the war, into a Cause that was lost, into a world that was mad? Why had he gone, Rhett who loved the pleasures of women and liquor, the comfort of good food and soft beds […] who hated the South and jeered at the fools who fought for it? Now he had set his varnished boots upon a bitter road […] and the end of the road was death.

Related Characters: Scarlett O’Hara , Rhett Butler

Page Number and Citation: 375

Explanation and Analysis:

She had never before known this type of fear. All her life her feet had been firmly planted in common sense and the only things she had ever feared had been the things she could see, injury, hunger, poverty, loss of Ashley’s love. […] Those fears had never weighed her down as this feeling of wrongness was doing.

Related Characters: Scarlett O’Hara (speaker), Rhett Butler , Bonnie Blue Butler

Page Number and Citation: 925

Explanation and Analysis:

[Scarlett] could see so clearly now that he was only a childish fancy, no more important really than her spoiled desire for the aquamarine earbobs she had coaxed out of Gerald. For, once she owned the earbobs, they had lost their value, as everything except money lost its value once it was hers. And so he, too, would have become cheap if, in those first far-away days, she had ever had the satisfaction of refusing to marry him.

Related Characters: Scarlett O’Hara (speaker), Melanie Wilkes (Hamilton) , Ashley Wilkes , Rhett Butler

Page Number and Citation: 940

Explanation and Analysis:

She had thought, half an hour ago, that she had lost everything in the world, except money, everything that made life desirable, Ellen, Gerald, Bonnie, Mammy, Melanie and Ashley. She had to lose them all to realize that she loved Rhett—loved him because he was strong and unscrupulous, passionate and earthy, like herself.

Related Characters: Scarlett O’Hara (speaker), Rhett Butler

Page Number and Citation: 946

Explanation and Analysis:

“I want the outer semblance of the things I used to know, the utter boredom of respectability […] the calm dignity life can have when it’s lived by gentle folks, the genial grace of days that are gone. When I lived those days I didn’t realize the slow charm of them…”

Related Characters: Rhett Butler (speaker), Scarlett O’Hara , Ashley Wilkes

Page Number and Citation: 956

Explanation and Analysis:

She had never understood either of the men she had loved and so she had lost them both. Now she had a fumbling knowledge that, had she ever understood Ashley, she would never have loved him; had she ever understood Rhett, she would never have lost him.

Related Characters: Scarlett O’Hara (speaker), Rhett Butler , Ashley Wilkes

Page Number and Citation: 958

Explanation and Analysis:

“I’ll think of it all tomorrow, at Tara. I can stand it then. […] After all, tomorrow is another day.”

Related Characters: Scarlett O’Hara (speaker), Johnnie Gallegher , Ellen O’Hara , Rhett Butler , Ashley Wilkes

Related Symbols: Tara

Page Number and Citation: 959

Explanation and Analysis:

Rhett Butler Character Timeline in Gone with the Wind

The timeline below shows where the character Rhett Butler appears in Gone with the Wind. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Looking Forward vs. Looking Back Theme Icon

...be insulted by the way he looks at her but isn’t. She hears him called “Rhett Butler,” a name she doesn’t recognize. (full context)

Scarlett’s eyes fall on Rhett Butler again. He looks at her in a way that seems as if he knows... (full context)

...girls finally drag three men away to the rose garden. Scarlett again catches sight of Rhett Butler, who’s staring at her and laughing aloud. She feels he can see right through... (full context)

...back in his day, and it was horrible. Someone leads the old man away, embarrassed. Rhett Butler suddenly asks everyone to consider that the North has cannon factories, immigrants, and shipyards,... (full context)

There is silence. Then an angry murmur starts. Deep down, Scarlett feels what Rhett said makes sense. Brent and Stuart confront Rhett, who explains that he’d only meant what... (full context)

Practicality, Tenacity, and Selfishness Theme Icon

Suddenly, a voice says, “this is too much.” Frightened, Scarlett grips a chair. Rhett Butler rises from the sofa. He heard everything. Trying to pull herself together, Scarlett scolds... (full context)

...him. She tries to escape into another room, but her skirt catches on a nail. Rhett Butler comes up to her and untangles her skirt. Her face goes red with shame... (full context)

Melanie turns and recognizes Rhett Butler. She greets him warmly and asks what brings him to Atlanta. Rhett says he’s... (full context)

Scarlett is enraged. Rhett is just pretending to look sorry for her, and Melanie is foolish and can’t see... (full context)

Rhett asks Scarlett how long she’d been married before Charles died, and smirks when she says... (full context)

...cause; she wouldn’t want to appear as if she hadn’t loved… but she trails off. Rhett knows the truth, so it’s no use lying. Smirking, Rhett leans down and says Scarlett’s... (full context)

...the platform and calls for quiet. He thanks the ladies who patriotically organized the bazaar. Rhett whispers to Scarlett that Dr. Meade is a “pompous goat.” Scarlett is shocked, but she... (full context)

The man with the basket for jewelry approaches Scarlett. Rhett carelessly tosses a gold cigar case into the basket. Scarlett shakes her head that she... (full context)

Rhett congratulates Scarlett sarcastically for her sacrifice, making Scarlett angry. To try to get the better... (full context)

Rhett says he’s tired of hearing about the Cause and expects that Scarlett is too. Caught... (full context)

Scarlett is appalled and asks Rhett to leave her be. He calls her “a red-hot little Rebel” and walks off. Scarlett... (full context)

...madness” sweeping over her as she realizes she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She and Rhett approach each other on the dance floor. (full context)

While dancing, Scarlett chastises Rhett for making a scene by calling her name. Rhett insists that she doesn’t really care... (full context)

Scarlett asks if Rhett really believes the South will lose the war, and then asks to stop talking about... (full context)

The next morning over breakfast, Miss Pittypat wails over how “conspicuous” Rhett Butler made Scarlett. Melanie says Rhett must be a brave gentleman for running the blockade.... (full context)

...assures her Ashley is not dead. She opens her fist to reveal her wedding ring. Rhett Butler returned the ring with a letter saying how brave her sacrifice was. Melanie says... (full context)

...upbringing and flirt so soon after her husband’s death with a man of ill-repute like Rhett Butler. Ellen says that Gerald will come to Atlanta the next day, speak to Rhett,... (full context)

...to cry, that her crying will not soften him this time. He leaves to confront Rhett Butler. (full context)

...singing raucously as he comes up the path. Hearing another voice, Scarlett realizes he’s with Rhett Butler. Afraid that he’ll wake the house, Scarlett puts on her robe, takes a candle,... (full context)

...Suddenly, it occurs to her that Gerald can usually hold his liquor just fine. Is Rhett responsible for getting her father so drunk? (full context)

...lose, the old days will never return because everything will be different. He recalls what Rhett Butler said at the barbecue about the South’s weakness and confesses that that was true. (full context)

...what she’s missing about Ashley. Then she thinks how strange it is that Ashley mentioned Rhett Butler and his ridiculous words at the barbecue. She looks in the mirror and her... (full context)

After the bazaar, Rhett Butler regularly takes Scarlett riding or dancing. Scarlett is still humiliated that he knows her... (full context)

Melanie insists that Rhett is a gentleman. She secretly feels sorry for Rhett, believing that some heartbreak has made... (full context)

Scarlett wants to think she’s charmed Rhett, but unlike all her other beaus, Rhett remains aloof. When he comes to town, he... (full context)

Even Mrs. Merriwether caves and invites Rhett to dinner after he finds a bolt of satin from England for Maybelle’s wedding dress.... (full context)

Rhett Butler is popular for many months despite the rumors about him. After a few months,... (full context)

At Mrs. Elsing’s musical for convalescents, Rhett ruins his reputation for good. Melanie and Scarlett sing a duet and perform a skit... (full context)

...on the way home, Mrs. Merriwether scolds Pittypat, Melanie, and Scarlett for their association with Rhett, “the traitor,” and demands that they cut contact with him. He should be in jail... (full context)

Melanie, pale and wide-eyed, said she will continue to speak to Rhett Butler. Scarlett admires and envies Melanie’s outspokenness. Shaking, Melanie says that what Rhett said was... (full context)

...cries and says it’s true. Scarlett is shocked that Ashley has anything in common with Rhett Butler. Neither believe in the war, and yet Rhett Butler had the sense not to... (full context)

Dr. Meade puts a letter in the paper that calls out Rhett Butler and those who profit from government contracts. The Yankees are sealing up the ports,... (full context)

Now, Miss Pittypat’s home is the only one in Atlanta to receive Rhett Butler. Pittypat knows it is a disgrace, but she doesn’t have the courage to turn... (full context)

Scarlett asks Rhett why he must say the things he feels and ruin his reputation. She’s bored of... (full context)

Rhett says he will never fight for a system that rejected him. The system of the... (full context)

Rhett points out that it is inconsistent of Scarlett to still wear her mourning clothes when... (full context)

...look, but she’s sad when she realizes she’ll have to cover it with dark fabric. Rhett takes the bonnet back and says he won’t let her destroy it. She begs for... (full context)

Rhett’s dark eyes fall on Scarlett’s lips. Scarlett feels excited; he’s going to try to kiss... (full context)

Rhett says Scarlett’s youth makes him sad. Looking amused, he kisses her cheek. Scarlett is angry—she... (full context)

Sometime later, Scarlett is trying to do her hair in a new style because Rhett is coming to dinner. Suddenly, Melanie runs up the stairs and bursts into Scarlett’s room,... (full context)

Scarlett isn’t listening. The letters R.K.B. are embroidered on Belle’s handkerchief. Rhett gave Scarlett an identical handkerchief a few days before. She’s horrified that Rhett knew that... (full context)

...gathered, even the pregnant Maybelle Merriwether, whose husband Rene Picard hadn’t even gone to Pennsylvania. Rhett Butler approaches. Scarlett can’t believe he has the nerve to appear. Mrs. Merriwether screams “speculator!”... (full context)

...been engaged to Cathleen Calvert! Brent, Stuart, Thomas, and Boyd Tarleton! She can’t read on. Rhett looks sympathetic and says there’ll be a longer list tomorrow. Ashley still isn’t safe. Scarlett... (full context)

...bereaved mother at the hospital. Scarlett has made Ashley a sewing kit full of materials Rhett had gotten for her, but she wishes she could give him something personal. She decides... (full context)

...shyly. Over the week, she’s made him a sash out of a silk scarf from Rhett. She says it’s a token for him to remember her by. He says she shouldn’t... (full context)

...no passage open to England, the richest planters—such as Gerald—become poor. Everyone hates speculators like Rhett Butler. Despite all this, Atlanta’s population increases, and it’s still the hub of the South. (full context)

...the telegraph office, waiting for news. Because she’s pregnant, she tires more easily. One afternoon, Rhett Butler witnesses her faint and brings her home. He settles her into bed and asks... (full context)

Rhett finds out that Ashley is a prisoner at Rock Island, in Illinois. Melanie and Scarlett... (full context)

...Yankees invade Georgia, Phil will join the fight. Scarlett and Melanie think of Ashley while Rhett Butler holds Wade Hamilton and plays with him. That morning, Miss Pittypat decided to kill... (full context)

...Dr. Meade says Sherman will never get past “Old Joe.” Everyone nods, comforted. But then Rhett asks if Sherman has 100,000 men and Johnston only 40,000, including the returned deserters. Mrs.... (full context)

Dr. Meade says the numbers don’t matter; one Confederate is worth a dozen Yankees. Rhett asks if this is still the case when the Confederates have no shoes or food.... (full context)

...something else. Scarlett starts another but stops because it is sad too. To her relief, Rhett suggests a song and joins her in singing, even though it is also a sad... (full context)

...noon, Scarlett sneaks away from the hospital. She runs up the street, breathing clean air. Rhett Butler drives by and comments on her disheveled appearance. She tells him to hush and... (full context)

Rhett calls Scarlett a fraud for betraying the “great Cause” and running away from the hospital.... (full context)

Scarlett notices a group of Black men coming towards them. Rhett stops the carriage and Scarlett looks curiously at the group. She recognizes Big Sam, the... (full context)

...if the army is so short of men they have to resort to using “darkies.” Rhett says the army is preparing for a siege of Atlanta. Scarlett gasps. Wishing she hadn’t... (full context)

Scarlett says the Yankees will never get to Atlanta. Rhett bets her they will; bonbons if she wins, a kiss if she loses. Scarlett forgets... (full context)

As he drives her back, Rhett explains that he hasn’t made further advances because he’s been waiting for Scarlett to grow... (full context)

The front gate opens and Rhett Butler comes up the path. Scarlett is so happy to see another person that she... (full context)

When Rhett says that he’s surprised but happy to find Scarlett on her own, Scarlett’s heart beats... (full context)

Scarlett thinks Rhett loves her but just won’t say it. She asks if he is proposing. Rhett says... (full context)

Suddenly, Scarlett thinks of Rhett Butler. He insulted her, but he’s in Atlanta and he has a carriage. Scarlett tells... (full context)

...room where she spent so many hellish hours. She waits on the porch, anxious for Rhett to come. The glow of fire appears on the horizon. It grows brighter and brighter... (full context)

...town. Scarlett is thrilled; they still have time to get away. Prissy says she found Rhett in a barroom, but the army took his horse. He’s looking for another horse and... (full context)

Rhett jokes about Scarlett’s upcoming trip. She tells him not to joke; she’s scared and wants... (full context)

Rhett asks Scarlett if she is afraid. Scarlett is upset that he is mocking her again.... (full context)

...the featherbed with Wade, Prissy, and the baby. The horse is thin and unwell, but Rhett says it was the best he could find. He lifts Scarlett onto the narrow bench... (full context)

Rhett starts to give Scarlett a pistol, but Scarlett says she already has Charles’s. Rhett teases... (full context)

Clutching Rhett’s arm, Scarlett says she’s glad he’s not in the army. He responds with an angry... (full context)

Laughing, Rhett quotes a speech and says he couldn’t love Scarlett if he didn’t love honor more.... (full context)

...says that Melanie doesn’t have milk. As Scarlett picks up fallen apples, she thinks of Rhett. She thought he’d take care of them—and she let him kiss her! (full context)

...thing but hushes her. She thinks of a line from the song she sang with Rhett at Pitty’s party, “just a few more steps for to tote the weary load.” (full context)

...just “weery loads” without Ellen. Scarlett remembers another line of the song she’d sung with Rhett: “No matter, ‘twill never be light.” Does coming home to Tara only mean more burdens?... (full context)

Scarlett grabs Mammy’s bonnet and thinks of the pretty green bonnet Rhett gave her. The road to Twelve Oaks is strewn with litter from soldiers. Scarlett wonders... (full context)

...returns to Tara with joy. She loves the red earth and the sprawling trees. Unlike Rhett, she thinks wars are fought for land, not money. Land is the only thing worth... (full context)

...Ashley puts his coat around her and says the only person with any money is Rhett Butler. Scarlett had heard from Miss Pitty that Rhett is back in Atlanta and richer... (full context)

...tries to think of a way to stop Jonas from taking Tara. Ashley had said Rhett Butler was the only person with money. She could borrow money from Rhett, pay the... (full context)

...of hunger. Since she has nothing to lose, she’s sure of her decision to marry Rhett. Scarlett vows to get money from him, even if he won’t marry her—she’s not sure... (full context)

...change to meet bad circumstances. They believe God will solve things, but Scarlett knows only Rhett Butler can fix things. (full context)

Scarlett asks Pitty about everyone except Rhett. Pitty says the Republicans are putting ideas in the “poor darkies” heads. They want to... (full context)

Scarlett says Rhett wasn’t her beau, then asks where he is. Pitty says he’s being held in the... (full context)

...look dignified and rich. She hides her calloused hands in Miss Pitty’s muff, not wanting Rhett to be able to guess she’s poor. She tiptoes out and waits for a carriage.... (full context)

Scarlett tells the captain of the group she’s Rhett Butler’s sister and she wants to see him. The captain says Rhett has lots of... (full context)

Rhett stands close to Scarlett and asks if he can kiss her. She says he may... (full context)

Rhett had seemed happy to see Scarlett a moment before, but now something feels wrong. He... (full context)

Rhett says he’s tried to understand what’s so charming about Scarlett. Even though he’s been in... (full context)

Scarlett looks up at Rhett, expecting a kiss. Instead, he kisses her hand and puts her palm on his cheek,... (full context)

Scarlett lies that she ruined her hands riding a horse without gloves. Rhett says she’s been working with her hands like a “nigger”; why did she lie that... (full context)

Rhett says his feelings are hurt that she wanted his money and not him. Scarlett wonders... (full context)

Rhett clarifies that she wants $300 in exchange for being his mistress. He says it is... (full context)

Scarlett slowly wakes up. The captain is pouring her whiskey, and Rhett is slapping her wrist. She gulps the whiskey and it revives her. The guards step... (full context)

...can she face everyone after she’d been so confident she could save Tara? She hates Rhett, and she feels it serves him right to be hanged. She passes Black men who... (full context)

...might be Suellen’s fiancé, but Scarlett hasn’t had a conscience since she decided to pursue Rhett. (full context)

Scarlett bats her eyes shyly, remembering what Rhett said about men disliking bold women. She asks to put her hands in Frank’s pocket.... (full context)

Scarlett goes to the alcove and waits for Frank. She pushes her embarrassing meeting with Rhett from her mind and focuses on the party. The room was beautiful before the war.... (full context)

...Frank is her future because he has money and she needs it. She recalls that Rhett once said a person could make money from the wreck of a civilization. She will... (full context)

As Scarlett pores over the numbers, Rhett Butler walks in the store, extravagantly dressed in new clothes. He laughs merrily, calling Scarlett... (full context)

Scarlett thinks it is unfair that an awful man like Rhett Butler is so rich while everyone else is poor. She says it’s dishonest of him... (full context)

Rhett asks bluntly if Frank has as much money as Scarlett hoped. Scarlett considers asking Rhett... (full context)

Rhett says that Scarlett must promise not to buy anything for Ashley Wilkes with his loan.... (full context)

Scarlett says Ashley’s been working as a field hand. Rhett says the Wilkeses aren’t cut out to be field hands, so Ashley must not be... (full context)

...earn lots of money, so she’ll always have food, pretty clothes, and Tara. She says Rhett doesn’t understand because he’s never been hungry. Rhett reminds her of his stint in the... (full context)

Rhett insists it’s obvious Scarlett still loves Ashley. Does Ashley still love her, or has he... (full context)

...her in the orchard and blushes. Her love for Ashley doesn’t seem so beautiful anymore. Rhett says if Ashley loved her for her mind then he wouldn’t have to resist her... (full context)

Scarlett thinks it is unfair of Rhett to expect Ashley to be a mind reader. But then she wonders if Rhett is... (full context)

...never told Scarlett about the sawmill. It was embarrassing that she bought the sawmill, that Rhett Butler helped her do it, and that she plans to operate it herself. He feels... (full context)

...but they at least pretend to submit to men’s opinions. Everyone talks about Scarlett. Also, Rhett Butler always visits Scarlett, and Frank can’t stand it. He worries that his neighbors think... (full context)

...is furnished opulently. Everyone knows Belle couldn’t have afforded the house herself and suspects that Rhett Butler bought it for her. The Yankees build fine homes beside the Southerners’ half-burned homes.... (full context)

Scarlett sends half the money she makes to Tara, a third to Rhett, and she hides the rest around the house. Frank puts up with her tantrums because... (full context)

...works hard all May. The only person who seems to understand what she does is Rhett Butler. He’s often out of town, likely dating some woman, and when he is in... (full context)

...one of these drives, Scarlett complains that everyone in town gossips about what she does. Rhett says it’s because she’s daring to be different from other women, and her success makes... (full context)

Scarlett does feel lonely. She says she’s never had female friends. Rhett points out Melanie approves of everything she does. Scarlett remembers privately that Melanie had even... (full context)

Rhett says his grandfather made lots of money as a pirate. When his grandfather died in... (full context)

Scarlett tells Rhett to get out of her buggy. She becomes suddenly nauseous and vomits. She wants to... (full context)

Scarlett asks if Rhett is trying to protect her. Rhett jokes that he’s deeply in love with her but... (full context)

Scarlett thinks Rhett is irritating and bad-mannered, but he intrigues her. During these months, Scarlett takes to sneaking... (full context)

...traitors are the people who went to the Yankees or made money in dishonest ways. Rhett Butler is in the latter group. The worst traitors are girls who were too young... (full context)

...fight for a state that took away 40 years of his life. She remembers how Rhett had joined at the last minute and decides that all Southern men are “sentimental fools.”... (full context)

...a new green dress trimmed with black. She hears hooves and looks up to see Rhett Butler approaching. He’s been gone for months and Scarlett missed him, but right now, she... (full context)

Scarlett asks where Rhett’s been. Rhett hands the baby back to Scarlett and says he was in Cuba and... (full context)

...has a fiancé in New Orleans. She says she doesn’t want to lose his friendship. Rhett asks her to look at him and says he will only marry when he finds... (full context)

Scarlett asks where else Rhett’s been. Rhett says he was in Charleston because his father died, but he’s not sad... (full context)

Scarlett says Aunt Eulalie has nothing except what Scarlett sends her. Rhett promises to reimburse Scarlett and laughs at how her eyes light up when at the... (full context)

Rhett says there’s a matter he wants to discuss with Scarlett: In short, he thought he... (full context)

Rhett says people like Ashley wish they were dead so they don’t have to face real... (full context)

...come through and the weak don’t. Scarlett says she won’t let Ashley be left behind. Rhett says he’ll never give Scarlett money again, and he asks why she’s profiting off the... (full context)

Rhett calls Scarlett a “rogue.” This hurts her. She thinks of Ellen—a great lady—and feels sick.... (full context)

Archie silences them and says he hears someone coming. Rhett Butler announces himself and Melanie flings open the door. Rhett demands to know where the... (full context)

Scarlett asks what Rhett was talking about. Archie says that because of Scarlett’s incident that afternoon, Ashley and Frank... (full context)

...pretend to sew, keeping their faces blank. The visitor is Captain Tom Jaffery, one of Rhett’s friends and a customer of Scarlett’s. He asks Melanie where Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Kennedy... (full context)

Melanie’s voice trails off as she hears horses and singing voices. It’s Rhett, singing a song about Sherman’s march. He is joined by Ashley and Hugh Elsing, both... (full context)

Ashley collapses into a chair, and Melanie scolds Rhett for bringing her husband home drunk. Melanie tells Archie to put Ashley to bed, pretending... (full context)

...chair Ashley sat on. He’s hurt! Scarlett and India cry that Ashley is dead, but Rhett says he just fainted from blood loss. Rhett explains that Ashley was too weak to... (full context)

...from Ashley’s shoulder with a towel. Scarlett wants to run to him. Noticing her distress, Rhett tells her to brace up; he won’t die. Rhett tells Archie where to find the... (full context)

Rhett accidentally calls Melanie by her familiar name “Melly,” but she says she’d love him to... (full context)

India returns with Dr. Dean, who gets to work on Ashley. Rhett takes Scarlett into the parlor. With unusual gentleness, he says she’s had a horrible day.... (full context)

...member is ready to flee, but India goes from house to house telling everyone that Rhett said not to leave. They trust him only because he saved Hugh and Ashley. Belle... (full context)

...behind Belle’s, pistols in their hands. The Atlantans hate that they owe their lives to Rhett Butler and Belle Watling, the two most despised people in town. They knew the Yankees... (full context)

...To his shock, Mrs. Meade says it’s more important that he’s alive. They argue about Rhett, whom Dr. Meade loathes, and whether Rhett is motivated to help former Confederates because of... (full context)

Downstairs, someone knocks at the door. Scarlett hears Rhett’s voice. She is glad; Rhett is the only friend she has tonight. Rhett wants to... (full context)

In the library, Rhett says he can smell that Scarlett’s been drinking heavily. He leads her to the sofa... (full context)

Rhett pulls out his handkerchief and wipes Scarlett’s cheeks. Rhett says he doesn’t think Scarlett would... (full context)

To distract Scarlett from her tears, Rhett tells her his news: he still wants Scarlett more than he’s ever wanted anyone. She... (full context)

Scarlett says this subject is vulgar; it’s indecent how much Rhett knows about women. Rhett says they can wait the expected interval before getting married, but... (full context)

Rhett tells Scarlett to say yes—and Scarlett obeys. It is as though divine intervention makes her... (full context)

Rhett looks “queer, eager, hurt, mocking.” He puts his fists in his pockets. Scarlett asks why... (full context)

Rhett says he’s not in love with Scarlett; if he was, he’d never tell her. Her... (full context)

Scarlett tells no one she’s engaged until Rhett comes back. He brings her an enormous diamond and emerald ring. She knows everyone thinks... (full context)

...by little, finally opens the polls to Black voters at about the same time that Rhett and Scarlett announce their engagement. Georgians are furious the Republican Bullock is elected governor. Scarlett... (full context)

Mrs. Merriwether decides to tell Scarlett not to marry the Scallawag Rhett Butler. When Scarlett reminds her that Rhett saved Mr. Merriwether’s life, Mrs. Merriwether says it... (full context)

However, it hurts Scarlett that Mammy also dislikes Rhett. Mammy says she watched Scarlett do lots of things that would’ve hurt Ellen. She’s stood... (full context)

While on honeymoon in New Orleans, Scarlett tells Rhett that Mammy said they were mules. Rhett laughs and says Mammy is one of the... (full context)

...honeymoon in New Orleans. Although Carpetbaggers are looting the town and many people are starving, Rhett moves in wealthy circles. He knows lots of beautiful women and men with the same... (full context)

Rhett buys Scarlett the latest fashions, and Scarlett buys extravagant gifts for her family. When Rhett... (full context)

It’s fun to live with Rhett—except when Scarlett thinks of Ashley. At night when she lies in Rhett’s arms, she wishes... (full context)

Rhett says that he recently invested his money in the United States government. Scarlett is shocked... (full context)

Scarlett wants to host parties and make everyone envious. Rhett observes that none of the Atlantans will come to their parties because he and Scarlett... (full context)

...until Melanie has gone into the kitchen before she says she won’t visit Scarlett and Rhett. Mrs. Merriwether agrees, saying her husband was nagging her to be polite to the man... (full context)

...safely through the siege to Tara, cared for her, and got Ashley a job. And Rhett Butler saved Ashley’s life! Melanie accuses the other ladies of being mean to Scarlett and... (full context)

...is terrible. But Melanie is also right that everyone should visit them; Scallawag or not, Rhett saved everyone and Scarlett was family. (full context)

While in New Orleans, Rhett had predicted that the “Old Guard” wouldn’t visit him and Scarlett when they returned, and... (full context)

...mirrors like Belle Watling’s. Thinking of the cold emptiness of Tara, Scarlett loves her house. Rhett says a person can tell it’s a house bought with “dirty money,” but Scarlett ignores... (full context)

When they get back from New Orleans, Scarlett and Rhett start to fight. Rhett has opinions about Scarlett’s new house and friends that are hard... (full context)

Rhett says the Republicans’ money does them no good; money didn’t succeed in making Scarlett a... (full context)

...but since the day she stood in the parlor at Tara and decided to be Rhett’s mistress, she’s become too unlike Ellen to go back. Besides, she’s having too much fun... (full context)

...make drunken spectacles at Scarlett’s parties. She dislikes them but enjoys the excitement they bring. Rhett embarrasses them all because of how well he sees through their prestige to their humble... (full context)

Scarlett always feels like that Rhett is watching her expectantly, wanting something that she isn’t giving him. He’s pleasant to live... (full context)

Then, Scarlett finds out she is pregnant. She storms into her bedroom where Rhett is smoking a cigar and screams that she doesn’t want more children. Rhett had looked... (full context)

Months later, Melanie comes out of Scarlett’s room and tells an anxious Rhett he can go in. He goes in, and Melanie glimpses him bending over the bassinet.... (full context)

Rhett comes into the dining room. Afraid of being yelled at, Wade shrinks away, but Rhett... (full context)

...the room, smiling widely. Wade is delighted to see Mammy being nice to his stepfather. Rhett makes Mammy a drink and they both gush over the beautiful baby. Rhett asks why... (full context)

Strangely, Rhett adores the baby. Most men are indifferent to their children, but Rhett thinks his daughter... (full context)

Ashley cries that Scarlett used to be so sweet before Rhett “brutalized” her. Scarlett is glad Ashley cares, even though she knows her conduct isn’t Rhett’s... (full context)

Scarlett finds Rhett in the nursery playing with the children. She leads him into the bedroom and announces... (full context)

...the Butlers are gathered in the sitting room. Scarlett pores over her account books and Rhett plays with Bonnie. Wade is restless. Annoyed, Scarlett tells him to go out and play.... (full context)

Wade asks shyly if Rhett fought in the war. Rhett says he was in the army for eight months and... (full context)

Scarlett asks Rhett why he lied to Wade, and Rhett says a boy should be proud of his... (full context)

Scarlett tells Rhett to let her manage her own children. Rhett says she’s a poor manager for ruining... (full context)

It is difficult for Rhett to change his reputation. The Old Guard hates Scallawags more than ever before. The Republicans... (full context)

Rhett slowly wins favor with the Old Guard. He votes Democratic and attends the Democratic meetings.... (full context)

When Mrs. Elsing questions why Rhett donates, he says he was moved by memories of his army days. He says humbly... (full context)

Rhett wins over Mrs. Merriwether by loaning her money for her bakery. He takes a job... (full context)

...dark nursery and often wakes the whole house screaming. Scarlett wants to spank her, but Rhett has her sleep in his room next to a lit lamp. The town buzzes when... (full context)

One night, Rhett is out late, and Lou puts Bonnie to bed. At some point, her lamp goes... (full context)

Scarlett scolds Rhett for humoring Bonnie; If he let her scream, she’d get over her fear. Rhett says... (full context)

...he isn’t sad, but is instead resigned. She tells him not to talk like this; Rhett always bores her with the same “survival of the fittest” nonsense. Ashley says he and... (full context)

...tears thinking of how Melanie will feel. Then her heart stops when she thinks of Rhett. Archie will tell Rhett everything. At home, she gets into bed, telling herself that she’ll... (full context)

Much later, Rhett knocks on Scarlett’s door and enters, asking if she’s ready for the party. She says... (full context)

When Scarlett and Rhett arrive, Melanie’s house is full of people. Scarlett is afraid to go in and hear... (full context)

...Ashley and Melanie and greet the guests. She shakes from the stress of the evening. Rhett had sent her home alone, and she’s relieved. She doesn’t care if he’s at Belle... (full context)

Scarlett starts back upstairs, but the door opens and Rhett appears. He asks her to join him, his voice thunderous. Scarlett is terrified. He mockingly... (full context)

Rhett offers Scarlett a drink. She refuses, but he pours one anyway and forces her to... (full context)

Rhett asks if Scarlett would happily bear Ashley’s children and pass them off as Rhett’s. At... (full context)

Rhett laughs and presses Scarlett’s shoulders against the wall. He says he’s laughing because he’s sorry... (full context)

Rhett releases Scarlett and staggers back to the whiskey. Scarlett wonders if he really loves her... (full context)

When Scarlett wakes the next morning, Rhett is gone. Last night, she realized she didn’t know Rhett even though she’s lived with... (full context)

But Rhett is gone for days. Scarlett becomes worried and looks for him everywhere. Then one morning,... (full context)

Rhett says that if he is “disgusting” then Scarlett can divorce him. She says she’ll never... (full context)

...on Melanie’s side say Melanie wouldn’t associate with an adulterer. Those on India’s side say Rhett’s absence adds to Scarlett’s suspiciousness. Also, the fact that Scarlett is now pregnant despite not... (full context)

Rhett stays in New Orleans for three months and doesn’t contact Scarlett the whole time. Sometimes... (full context)

Scarlett tries to spend more time with Wade and Ella, but she realizes that Rhett was right—she was too busy making money when they were little, and now she doesn’t... (full context)

...tells Scarlett she’s pregnant, she can’t believe it. Then she thinks of that night with Rhett. For the first time ever, she’s glad she’s pregnant and she hopes it’ll be a... (full context)

Scarlett gets news of Rhett when her Aunt Pauline writes to say Rhett visited her in Charleston with Bonnie. She... (full context)

One day, Rhett and Bonnie return. Scarlett runs from her room to greet Bonnie and hugs and kisses... (full context)

...her baby. She can’t remember why she wanted it so badly and she desperately wants Rhett. Death seems close as she remembers how scared he looked when he picked her up... (full context)

At last, Melanie goes to tell Rhett that Scarlett is better. He looks at her, weeping, and asks if she’s dead. Melanie... (full context)

Then Rhett tells Melanie what he’d said about Scarlett having a miscarriage just before Scarlett fell. Melanie’s... (full context)

Scarlett is pale and thin when Rhett puts her on the train to Tara a month after her fall. She feels she’ll... (full context)

Rhett explains that Scarlett won’t sell the mills voluntarily, but he wants to suggest that Ashley... (full context)

...to deceive Ashley, but she finally agrees. She wonders why everyone says bad things about Rhett; he’s always been so kind to her and is so devoted to Scarlett. Melanie says... (full context)

When Scarlett returns from Tara, she looks healthy. Rhett and Bonnie meet her at the train, Indian feathers stuck in their hair from a... (full context)

...Tara is no longer a plantation but is just a small farm. Once she and Rhett are home, she asks what’s been happening in Atlanta. She hasn’t talked to Rhett alone... (full context)

Then Rhett says that Ashley had asked if he could buy Scarlett’s share of the mill. Scarlett... (full context)

...Ashley will ruin them since he’s still a terrible businessman. Melanie passes out wine to Rhett, Scarlett, and Ashley to celebrate the sale. Ashley says he plans to send the convicts... (full context)

...clothes or furniture than she does, and it is all thanks to enforced convict labor. Rhett notes that Scarlett is also happy because she killed the Yankee. Then he says, “poisonously... (full context)

After Scarlett’s illness, Rhett is different, and Scarlett doesn’t like it. He is kinder and more present, but also... (full context)

One night, Scarlett intercepts Rhett in the hall and asks if he joined the Klan. He laughs and says there... (full context)

Rhett says the next governor will be a Democrat; per Scarlett’s long-ago comment that Rhett’s Confederate... (full context)

...did to her, but in trying to survive she made friends with them. But now, Rhett is friends with the Old Guard again. He rides around with Bonnie, and Scarlett feels... (full context)

Bonnie runs wild. When Rhett took her to New Orleans, he allowed her to stay up late and have whatever... (full context)

When Bonnie turns four, Rhett buys her a Shetland pony that she names Mr. Butler, and Scarlett makes her a... (full context)

A week later, Bonnie begs for a higher bar. Rhett tells her she can’t jump higher until she’s six, but Bonnie persists until he finally... (full context)

...the sitting room. Mammy cries as she explains that Bonnie’s death broke Scarlett’s heart, but Rhett is even worse off. She says Melanie must come because Rhett always listens to her... (full context)

Mammy says she thought Scarlett and Rhett would comfort each other, but then Scarlett demanded that Rhett “give [her] [her] baby that... (full context)

Melanie is shocked. She remembers that Rhett said he had a key to Belle’s, but she also knows Rhett loves Scarlett from... (full context)

Melanie understands Rhett’s pain; she thinks how scary it would be to bury one’s own child in a... (full context)

...her nightmare in which she is a lost child seeking a haven in the fog. Rhett has always been able to make her feel better, but now he is only friendly... (full context)

Scarlett and Rhett have the unbreakable bond of two people who birthed and buried a loved child. Only... (full context)

...Ellen’s voice told her it’s time to go home. Scarlett tries to stop her, but Rhett says no one wants to live in their house. When Scarlett asks Dr. Meade if... (full context)

Scarlett is in Marietta when Rhett sends an urgent telegram that Melanie is ill. Leaving Wade and Ella with Prissy, Scarlett... (full context)

...cheek and says goodnight. Melanie asks for one more promise: that Scarlett be kind to Rhett, because he loves Scarlett. Scarlett promises, kisses Melanie’s hand, and leaves the room. India and... (full context)

...He was a childish fancy. Melanie is dead, and Ashley could ask her to divorce Rhett to marry him. But now that Scarlett has Ashley, she doesn’t want him. If it... (full context)

The lights are the lights of Scarlett’s own home. Then she realizes she’s running to Rhett. The fear that haunted her since she returned to Tara and found the world gone... (full context)

Scarlett loves Rhett because he has none of Ashley’s foolish honor, which always let her down. Rhett never... (full context)

Scarlett enters the front hall. Rhett isn’t in the hall, and she thinks anxiously that he’s at Belle’s. She starts up... (full context)

Rhett says he didn’t go in with Scarlett because he couldn’t bear it. He says Melanie... (full context)

Suddenly interested, Rhett demands to know what Melanie said about him. Scarlett tells him that Melanie said Rhett... (full context)

Scarlett admits that she’s been a fool. Rhett tells her to spare him, but she cries that she loves him. He believes her... (full context)

Scarlett sits down, and Rhett talks to her plainly. He asks if she ever wondered if he loved her as... (full context)

Rhett goes on and says that if Scarlett had let him, he would’ve loved her so... (full context)

Scarlett feels compassion for Rhett that wipes out her own feelings. This is the first time she’s come close to... (full context)

Scarlett says there must be something left of Rhett’s love. He says all that’s left is pity and kindness. Rhett says he’s going away... (full context)

Rhett’s nostalgic words sound just like something Ashley said in the orchard at Tara. Rhett says... (full context)

Scarlett watches Rhett go upstairs. She feels she’ll die from the pain and feels like the last thing... (full context)

...victory. She’ll go there and find a place to heal and plan how to get Rhett back. She sees the white house, the raw red earth, and feels the country twilight... (full context)

Gone with the Wind

Rhett Butler Character Analysis

Rhett Butler Quotes in Gone with the Wind

Chapter 2 Quotes

Chapter 6 Quotes

Chapter 23 Quotes

Chapter 60 Quotes

Chapter 61 Quotes

Chapter 62 Quotes

Chapter 63 Quotes

Rhett Butler Character Timeline in Gone with the Wind