Reading Group Guide
1. On the one hand, Rhett Butler was raised by a very stern, even abusive, father, who prided himself on being a true Southern gentlemen. On the other hand, his mother was very proper and devout. How did these different parental examples leave their impression on Rhett as a young boy?
2. Rhett's father punished his mischievous son by making him work in the fields shoulder to shoulder with their slaves. How did this first person encounter with the slaves shape Rhett's views on race?
3. Rhett and Belle Watling share a fascinating relationship throughout the novel. In the end, do you think Rhett was also in-love with Belle, or did he just love her as a friend?
4. What was it in Rhett's nature that would enable him to shoot one of his dearest friends?
5. Although Rhett rejected "every proper duty of a Carolina gentleman's son," do you think in the end he emerged as the ultimate Southern gentleman? Why or why not?
6. Was Ashley Wilkes in-love with Scarlett O'Hara? Why or why not?
7. As a child, Rhett preferred being a barefoot, shirtless, and free-exploring "renegade" to the luxuries his father's money could have offered him. He eventually became a self-made business tycoon. How is Rhett's life story symbolic of the American Dream?
8. There are several opposing forces represented throughout RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE, such as peace and war, slavery and freedom, good and evil. How do the characters of Rhett Butler and Col. Andrew Ravanel represent these opposing forces?
9. How does Tad Watling serve as a symbol of a warring country's future?
10. How is color used as a literary device to convey certain points throughout RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE? Colors such as blue (ex/ Bonnie Blue Butler), green (ex/ Scarlett's eye color), black (Rhett's eye color), and, of course, scarlet/red.
11. How is the fiery climax at the end of RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE indicative of the Old South's last breaths?
12. How did Donald McCaig use the letters written throughout the novel, such as those between Rhett and his sister, Rosemary, as a device for helping to tell the story of Rhett Butler's life?
13. Even though Scarlett O'Hara is self-absorbed and greedy, what is it about her character that makes the reader fall in love with her?
14. How does Rhett help Scarlett mature throughout the novel?
15. Are Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara equals in terms of wit and business savvy?
16. Does the old adage "opposites attract" apply to Rhett and Scarlett or are they genuinely two peas from the same pod?
17. How is Gerald O'Hara's mental condition used as one more symbol of the Old South's demise?
18. How does Donald McCaig use the character of Belle Watling, a lady of ill repute whom society deems unacceptable, to symbolize the most sincere form of human sincerity and compassion? Why is this important to the overall story of the Civil War period and the life of Rhett Butler?
19. What role does Aunt Pittypat play as a symbol of the Old South?
20. What does Rhett's decision to join the Confederate army say about his character and loyalty?
21. Regarding the female characters, is Melanie Wilkes used by Donald McCaig as a balancing device to Scarlett's strong personality? If so, how does he convey this balance?
22. Aside from a father's love, is there a larger purpose Donald McCaig is conveying through his portrayal of how devastated Rhett was following the tragic death of his daughter, Bonnie?
23. How is Tara woven into the storyline of RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE as an integral character?
24. What do you think were the 5 events or factors that most shaped the man Rhett Butler became by the end of the novel? Explain.
25. Do you think, based on what you read in RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE, that Rhett and Scarlett will stay together forever? Why or why not?
26. What exactly do you think Donald McCaig means by "Rhett Butler's People"?
