The Fate of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind Explained

Discover the tragic conclusion of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind as he copes with loss and his unrequited love for Scarlett O'Hara.

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Ashley Wilkes ends up a broken man following the death of his wife, Melanie Wilkes. He becomes emotionally dependent on Scarlett O'Hara, but Scarlett realizes that Ashley isn't the man she idealized. Ultimately, Ashley is left grieving and lost while Scarlett decides to return to Tara, her family's plantation.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Ashley Wilkes' role in Gone with the Wind? Ashley Wilkes is a central character whose relationships and emotional struggles drive much of the narrative in Gone with the Wind.
  2. How does Scarlett O'Hara feel about Ashley by the end of the story? By the end of Gone with the Wind, Scarlett realizes that her idealized vision of Ashley does not match the reality of who he is.
  3. What happens to Melanie Wilkes in Gone with the Wind? Melanie Wilkes, Ashley's wife, dies in the story, which deeply affects Ashley and leads to his emotional turmoil.
  4. Why does Ashley become emotionally dependent on Scarlett? After Melanie's death, Ashley seeks comfort in Scarlett, but their relationship is complicated by unfulfilled expectations and realities.

Watch More

For more insights into classic literary characters and their fates, check out our analysis of Scarlett O'Hara and her journey in Gone with the Wind.

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