It was nearly impossible for the Southerners to even put food in their stomachs let alone take care of their families. After all, most everything had been taken away from them or destroyed, all the while the Yankee's took over their economy making it very difficult to find a job. The time period that is reflected back on can be closely compared to when the movie was filmed almost 70 years later. Similar to the problems that the Southerner's suffered through during the Civil War, the early 1900's faced extreme economic distress resulting in hunger, hardship, and loss of jobs. Although the hardships of the early 1900's were caused by the stock market crash instead of the Yankees, it is possible that the production of this movie was to encourage those who were currently suffering and to show them that there is in fact light at the end of the tunnel, if only they continue to work hard and never give up.
Vivien Leigh, the actress who plays Scarlett O'Hara, does a magnificent job portraying the character's carefree personality while she makes the best of every situation. No matter her age or how many times she remarries, Scarlett remains very childlike at heart. As shown in the opening scene of the movie, Scarlett frowns upon serious life matters such as sickness and war, only viewing them as a hindrance from having fun. Although Scarlett eventually grows more accepting to life's downfalls, she still insists on being the center of attention. She often takes advantage of other people, especially when it is most convenient for her. She mindlessly takes Charles from India, Frank from Suellen, and all the servants from her sisters without one thought of the consequences or how others would feel. Even Scarlett's supposed undying love for Ashley is most likely rooted from her desire to steal him away from someone else. Fortunately, Scarlett has a whole other side to her character. She makes a point to never dwell on the past and moves forward even when it seems that things couldn't get worse.