Gone with the Wind.

           It is a common saying “you never know what you have, till it is gone.” However, it was not until after I read Gone with the Wind that I truly understood this concept. This proverb is repeatedly portrayed in the last section of the novel, particularly to the character Scarlett. 
This first occurs to Scarlett when she ignores her daughter Bonnie but when her daughter dies she realizes the part her daughter had in their family by bring Scarlett and Rhett together. This motto is again shown when Scarlett believes that she does not have to live to her friend’s standards and seeks friendship with the Yankees. However, when the Confederates win the election, all of the Yankee’s leave the area and Scarlett is left alone and desires she could have friends to socialize with like Melanie and wishes she did not burn down all of the friendships she used to have.  

This again occurs when Melanie falls ill and dies, and Scarlett realizes how much she relied on Melanie as a friend and how Melanie was a strength to her. Had Scarlett realized this earlier what Melanie meant to her, she could have been a true friend to her and honored and respected herlike a true friend should be. The Last situation in which this proverb applies inGone with the Wind is shortly after Melanie dies, and Scarlett seeks someone to comfort her, and realizes that Ashley was not the man of her dreams, but Rhett is the one she wants. She also realizes that all of Rhett’s actions show how much he loves her. She races home, and sees him packing. He decided to leave her since how she can now marry Ashley. Scarlett declares her love for him, and begs her not to leave him, but Rhett states that it is too late, his love has run out. Scarlett is left heart-broken and filled with regret. She realizes that Rhett loved her but she threw it away. These lessons teach the reader to appreciate everything they have in life, and to not let thing go for granted especially relationships. If an individual does this their lives will truly be happy and complete.