Margaret Mitchell: The Life And Legacy Of A Literary Icon

Margaret Mitchell was an American novelist whose work captured the complexities of the Civil War era and the human experience. One of the most notable aspects of her life is how she transformed personal adversity into literary triumph. After suffering a broken ankle in 1926, she began to write a novel that would go on to define her career: Gone With the Wind.

Who Was Margaret Mitchell?

Margaret Mitchell was born on November 8, 1900, in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in an Irish-Catholic family, she developed a passion for storytelling at a young age. Her experience with writing expanded significantly after she began crafting her own adventure books as a child. By the time she published Gone With the Wind in 1936, she had cultivated a rich background in both storytelling and the dramatic arts.

Gone With the Wind would not only earn her the prestigious Pulitzer Prize but also catapult her into instant fame. The book, which explores themes of love, loss, and resilience during the Civil War, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. Tragically, Mitchell's life was cut short when she died in 1949 after being struck by a car, leaving behind this singular masterpiece.

Early Life and Influences

Mitchell's early life was marked by a love for storytelling, even before she could write. She often created stories in her imagination, which later translated into her writing endeavors. At the private Woodberry School, she took on roles as a director and actress in her own plays, showcasing her creative talent and passion for the arts.

In 1918, she enrolled at Smith College, where she faced the tragic loss of her mother to influenza. This event had a profound impact on her life and shaped her perspective. After completing her freshman year, she returned to Atlanta and prepared for her debutante season, where she first met Berrien Kinnard Upshaw. Their short-lived marriage ended abruptly, highlighting the tumultuous nature of her early relationships.

The Creation of 'Gone With the Wind'

Mitchell's journey to writing Gone With the Wind began when a broken ankle sidelined her from her usual activities. During this time, she found solace in writing and began crafting her novel. The process was unconventional; she wrote the last chapter first and tackled the other chapters in a non-linear fashion. By 1929, she had completed most of the story.

In 1935, Mitchell secured a publishing deal with Macmillan, which included a $500 advance and a 10 percent royalty on sales. After finalizing the manuscript, she changed character names and restructured the narrative, ultimately naming the book after a line from a favorite poem. Upon its release in 1936, the novel received widespread acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937, solidifying Mitchell's place in literary history.

Later Life and Legacy

During World War II, Mitchell dedicated her time to the American Red Cross, shifting her focus away from writing. Her life took a tragic turn on August 11, 1949, when she was struck by a car and succumbed to her injuries five days later. Despite her untimely death, Mitchell's impact on literature remains undeniable.

She was posthumously recognized for her contributions, being inducted into the Georgia Women of Achievement in 1994 and the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 2000. While Gone With the Wind was her only full-length novel, she also wrote a novella titled Lost Laysen in 1916, which was published much later in 1996.

Key Takeaways from Margaret Mitchell's Life

Margaret Mitchell's life and work continue to resonate today, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the complexities of human experience. Her legacy is a testament to the impact one individual can have on literature and culture.