The 1936 classic " Gone With the Wind " by Margaret Michelle is known primarily for its depiction of Civil War America and its impeccable laying of the characters. I for myself liked the novel for its depiction of how individuals fall for 'real life mirages'. The protagonist Scarlett O'Hara has a lifelong obsession with Ashley Wilkes who (only) in her perception is one of the most 'manly' individuals - decisive, gallant, and chivalrous. Ashley is the man with whom Scarlett is obsessed. Gentlemanly yet indecisive, he loves Melanie , his cousin and later his wife, but is tormented by an obsession with Scarlett. His failure to deal with his true feelings for Scarlett ruins any chance she has for real happiness with the true love of her life ( Rhett Butler ). Due to her obsession with Ashley, Scarlett keeps ruining her every chance of getting true love from Rhett Butler. It is only towards the end of the novel that Scarlett realizes that she loves Rhett an