Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell, born on November 8, 1900, in Atlanta, Georgia, was a product of a time deeply rooted in historical remembrance. Her upbringing was steeped in the stories and remnants of the Civil War, a theme she immortalized in her celebrated novel, Gone with the Wind. Though her life was marked by personal challenges and societal expectations, Mitchell's literary success made her a lasting figure in American culture.

Early Life and Inspirations

Margaret Mitchell grew up in a family where history and storytelling were part of everyday life. Her father, Eugene Muse Mitchell, was not just a lawyer but also led the Atlanta Historical Society, ensuring that historical narratives were always close at hand. The tales of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era left a lasting impression on young Margaret, who would later channel these influences into her literary work.

Education and Personal Loss

In 1918, Mitchell enrolled at Smith College in Massachusetts, having become engaged to Clifford Henry, who was regarded by her brother as her one true love. Tragically, Henry was killed in World War I, a loss that mirrored the romantic tensions of Scarlett O'Hara and Ashley Wilkes in her novel. During her first year in college, Mitchell's mother succumbed to the Spanish influenza epidemic, prompting Margaret to leave Smith College and return home.

Debutante Challenges and Social Rebellion

Following her return, Mitchell entered Atlanta society as a debutante, a role that proved ill-fitting for her independent spirit. She scandalized the conservative social circles by embracing the Jazz Age lifestyle, full of indulgences like smoking, drinking, and driving fast cars. This defiance reached a peak when she performed a controversial dance at a charity ball, effectively alienating herself from the social elite.

Marriage and Turmoil

Margaret's rebellion against societal norms also extended to her personal life. In 1922, against the wishes of her family, she married Berrien Kinnard Upshaw, known as Red, whose disreputable reputation mirrored that of Rhett Butler in her novel. The marriage was brief and troubled, plagued by Red's drinking and violence, leading to a swift separation.

Finding Stability

Throughout her tumultuous marriage, Mitchell found a stable presence in John Marsh, Red's roommate, who acted as a conciliatory figure. Marsh proved to be a steadfast companion, eventually helping her secure a job as a feature writer for the Atlanta Journal. Their friendship blossomed into love, and Mitchell realized her feelings for Marsh during a medical scare of his in late 1924. The couple married on July 4, 1925, with Marsh representing the dependable traits later seen in Rhett Butler.

Career and Writing

At Marsh's encouragement, Mitchell left her job at the Journal in 1926 to focus on writing. An injury from a car accident that autumn left her bedridden, where she found solace in reading and eventually writing. Her husband famously prodded her to begin writing her own novel, which marked the start of what would become Gone with the Wind. Despite initial doubts about her writing's potential, Mitchell dedicated the next decade to crafting her story, starting with the novel's ending: "She had never understood either of the men she loved, and so she lost them both."

Publication Journey

In 1935, an encounter with Harold Latham of Macmillan publishers changed Mitchell's career trajectory. Prompted by a challenge from an acquaintance, she impulsively submitted her unfinished manuscript to Latham, who saw its potential despite its rough condition. Though she quickly regretted her decision and attempted to retract the submission, Latham and editor Lois Cole were convinced of its promise. The manuscript, after extensive revisions, was published in 1936, a...