Scarlett's lesson her father wanted her to realize was that land was the only thing of permanence in life. During the scenes where they were back at post war Tara, Ashley Wilkes told her that she drew her strength from Tara, even though she didn't realize it, and then pressed a handful of dirt into her hands. She later throws the dirt at Mr. Wilkerson when he comes to offer to buy Tara for the back taxes stating that that is all of Tara he will ever get. When she marries Rhett and becomes wealthy, she wants to refurbish Tara back to its former glory. Throughout the movie, she comes to realize that her home is fundamental to her even though she does not live there. .
Scarlett is a prime example of a southern belle. Rich, spoiled, pampered and charming, Scarlett is flirtatious and used to being the center of attention. Accustomed to getting her way Scarlett does not adjust well when she realizes that her crush is intent on marrying another. She spends the entirety of the movie trying to gain his attention and love, completely oblivious to Rhett who loves her and is more of a match for her than Ashley Wilkes who could never have thrived under Scarlett's headstrong personality. Rhett Butler saw Scarlett for whom and what she was, loved her anyway, and was more of an equal to her. Sadly, by the time she realizes that she does not really love Ashley but actually does love Rhett, it is too late and through her continued obstinacy has destroyed any hope of a future with Rhett. Scarlett felt a bond with Ashley because of a lifestyle that did not exist anymore. .
Scarlett, showing herself to be a survivor, compromises her reputation, her scruples and her upbringing to not only survive but to thrive at any cost. In one dramatic scene she professes, "If I have to steal or kill - as God is my witness, I'm never going to be hungry again." In true Scarlett fashion, she uses her mother's prized drapes as material for a dress so she can get the tax money to save Tara.
