I am researching Gone with the Wind, a novel written by Margaret Mitchell.

Throughout this novel, Scarlett O'Hara, the female protagonist, is constantly evolving. Although she is first perceived as a spoiled and vain child with a charming facade, Scarlett matures and maneuvers her way from poverty to prosperity through determination and self-sufficiency. This drastic change in character led to the formation of my essential question, which is "How have the characteristics of feminist heroines in American literature changed?"

Throughout the years since the publishing of Gone with the Wind, the depiction of feminist heroines in literature has shifted to fit modern ideals. As illustrated in this picture, feminist heroines have changed in appearance, circumstance, and age to greater impact today's readers. My research source, an article entitled "Images Of Women In American Literature" by Lucy Freibert, states that until recently, women had often been relinquished to secondary status to their male counterparts. However, this was typically the work of male authors, and female authors have begun to challenge this stereotype.

Women have since taken on a more influential role in literature, the beginnings of which are evidenced by other prominent American authors such as Ernest Hemingway, who included several major female characters in his novels. As stated in the article, feminist heroines now appear as ordinary women who triumph over the struggles of life. As stated by Freibert, "critical interest generally shifted from the "images" approach in works by men to the study of women writers and a literature that would more accurately reflect women's experiences and model their possibilities." The creation of relatable characters allowed feminist heroines to gain more influence and impact the field of literature.

This picture is a feminist symbol, similar to the many female heroines that have gained notoriety in modern society. Scarlett O'Hara remains a notable example, but present-day American literary heroines, such as Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, now target the younger generation. This new method of portrayal has become immensely popular, and has inspired the creation of various heroine-centered novels. Further, this demonstrates that women hold power and sets beneficial examples for young women in society. Ultimately, the portrayal of feminist heroines in American literature has evolved and risen to new heights of popularity and influence.

Citation:
Freibert, Lucy M. "Images Of Women In American Literature." In Women's Studies Encyclopedia, ed. Helen Tierney. Greenwood Press, 2002. 21 January 2015. .