Scarlett O'Hara had three children according to Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone With the Wind, though only one of them was prominently featured in the acclaimed film adaptation.
Scarlett's Children: Book vs. Film
The portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara's family life differs between the original novel and the iconic movie. While the book provides a complete picture of her motherhood across her marriages, the film focuses on her relationship with her third child.
Here's a breakdown of Scarlett's children:
Version | Number of Children | Names of Children | Parents |
---|---|---|---|
Book | 3 | Wade Hampton Hamilton | Scarlett O'Hara and Charles Hamilton |
Ella Lorena Kennedy | Scarlett O'Hara and Frank Kennedy | ||
Eugenie Victoria "Bonnie Blue" Butler | Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler | ||
Film | 1 (prominently featured) | Eugenie Victoria "Bonnie Blue" Butler | Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler |
Details of Scarlett's Motherhood
- Wade Hampton Hamilton: Scarlett's first child was born during her brief and somewhat impulsive marriage to Charles Hamilton, Melanie Hamilton's brother.
- Ella Lorena Kennedy: Her second child was born during her second marriage to Frank Kennedy, a man she married primarily for financial security after his fiancée, her sister Suellen, was disinherited.
- Eugenie Victoria "Bonnie Blue" Butler: The youngest and most beloved of her children, Bonnie was the daughter of Scarlett and Rhett Butler. Her character plays a significant role in the emotional arc of both the novel and the film, particularly in Rhett's life. The film version, celebrated for its memorable characters and performances, including Clark Gable's iconic portrayal of Rhett Butler, chose to focus heavily on the dynamic surrounding Bonnie.