1. The Southern Belle as a racist fiction
Saskia Plumley
The University of Winchester, American Studies
The main framework of my thesis, consists of the southern belle as a figure of iconic identity. Exploring
themes which enable the belle to portray an image of redemption for the ‘deep south’ but also as figure
who represents female empowerment. Reflecting images of gender boundaries and racial limitations. The
southern belle will be explored through the iconic character of Scarlett O’Hara from Margaret Mitchell’s
classic Gone with the Wind. This poster is designed to provide an over view of research and debates
surrounding the southern belle. Information will be presented, relevant to each chapter.
“A traditional southern- and uniquely American character- the belle figure has been
a perfect vehicle to represent the flowering of the old south”
Kathryn Lee Seidel,
The southern belle has been a representation of the antebellum south for century's
and is a representation of the romanticised mythology which is subject to southern
history. Many critics have sought to define the southern belle, but this complex
representation of a woman holds value and purpose which stenches beyond
definition and first glance. Critics have studied the belle in historic accounts, and
concluded the figure to represent messages of women’s empowerment through
women's suffrage but also through labour, responsibility and authority. Helen Taylor
is among many of the acclaimed critics who provide an insight into the literary
representation of the southern belle, along with historians such as Michele Gillespie
and Catherine Clinton who trace the historical literature of the belle and provide the
foundation for my debate. Anne E. Rowe describes the southern belle “as a form of
fictional embodiment” suggesting that the representation and ideology of this
particular woman is a manufactured representation of an ideal, and this is the figure
perhaps most familiar from such, famous southern classics as Gone with the Wind.
Assessing the positive representations of the southern belle will enable me to
understand how many critics often disregard issues such as race, therefore I will
include contemporary research to challenge the positive representations of the
southern belle and identify the negative associations with the figure. Providing a
comparison between the characters Scarlett O’Hara and Mammy in Gone with the
Wind.
The love for Scarlett was apparent early on audiences sympathised with the figure through
Mitchell’s initial introduction of her; “Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful”. Presenting her as a
figure who is relatable to many women, not just through her appearance but also through
her persona, many of Scarlett’s catch phrases are still used today, “Ill think about that
tomorrow”. Critics regard Scarlett’s name to hold significance which stretch beyond
romantic images of beauty, racial connotations can also be associated. Such as the name
signifying blood and pain, two words were often associated with those enslaved. Critics also
refer to the name Scarlett as representing ‘red soil’ similar to the connection of African
landscape, culture and heritage three themes which can be both associated with the slaves
and white southerners. Scarlett’s name is also contrasted with the simplistic names given to
African American characters, such as Mammy who’s name is her descriptor. In addition to
the naming of Scarlett accent and dialogue were also expressed importance’s for the
protagonist white female character. Vicki Eaklor, a central critic in my thesis explored the
how Scarlett can be considered a ‘transformed’ belle, suggesting a vision of a woman who
portrays regional and gender myths which are contrasted with her empowerment and the
representation of feminine males.
Pro-slavery in the old south and popular memory of certain patters and stereotypes of race relations are
key examples of regional romantics patriotism, common within antebellum and 1930’s literature. This
vision is explored through the character of Mammy, who provides extensive contrasting comparison's to
the southern white female character, Scarlett. The fictional myth of the faithful salve, Mammy’s many
examples of restriction and servitude go beyond her initial appearance and skin colour, these notions of
racial limitations are explored through the Mammy. Costume choice provides a visual example of the
confinement and laminations of the character, complex messages and associations can be attached to
the dress of Mammy. One example circulating the head-wrap, the head wrap could be compared to a
bandage, which is used to protect, secure, support a method adopted when injury or pain is caused to
an area and is considered the method used in the healing process. The healing of the slave’s brain, the
images they have been subject to the pain, which they have endured now encompassed, with a uniform
white head wrap. Another interpretation of the head wrap could be, the confinement of white
mentality, as the wrap is tightly secured around the head, this, could suggest the meaning of white
thoughts, beliefs and morals. Mammy’s character also presents examples of racial stereotype through
language and dialogue which can be compared to the well educated white characters. Dependency
between Scarlett and Mammy is a complex theme which runs throughout and a notion of maternal
dependency is suggested.
The responses to Gone with the Wind, are explored in the final chapter. Roots, 12
Years a Slave and literary responses such as Ruth’s Journey and The Wind Done
Gone embody the main debates addressed. Understanding the change within
race relations alongside the notion of the ‘African American voice’ now being
expressed in contrast to the representation of a romantic south expressed in
Gone with the Wind. In addition, exploring the connection to the 75th anniversary
as developing a new perspective for the film with understanding towards the
racial issues surrounding the classic film and novel. Finally concluding how many
of the celebrated feminist interpretations of Scarlett remain but how they are
now considered with a racial awareness and existence.