Even though Rhett insists that he does not love Scarlett,
his romantic interest in her becomes increasingly evident. Rhett
realizes that Scarlett is stuck in Atlanta looking after a woman
she despises, and he teases her about this morbidly humorous situation.
Rhett’s nonchalance and mockery infuriate Scarlett and wound her
pride, but Rhett intrigues her. She and Rhett share many of the
same shockingly unconventional views, although only Rhett admits them.
Rhett belittles prominent Atlanta figures whom Scarlett secretly
despises, and he speaks frankly about the lack of Southern patriotism,
a lack that Scarlett notices as well. Rhett sees through Scarlett’s
artifice and knows she shares his unpopular opinions. Rhett knows
that Scarlett’s girlish flirtations hide a selfish heart, a perception
that leaves Scarlett powerless to control him as she controls other
men. She despises him, but she also wants to win him. Mitchell shows
us Rhett’s confidence, sense of humor, and intelligence, and we
begin to wonder whether Rhett is the evil tempter everyone thinks
him or the perfect match for Scarlett.
