1. Melanie Hamilton is a fictional character first appearing in the 1936 novel Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
46 Facts About Melanie Hamilton
1. 2.
Melanie Hamilton is described as a brave and intelligent man who, in serving the interests of the Hamiltons, often advises his charges and on several occasions makes decisions for them.
3.
In keeping with the family tradition, in April 1861, Melanie Hamilton becomes engaged to her first cousin, Ashley Wilkes.
4.
Melanie Hamilton is unaware that Scarlett O'Hara intended to marry Ashley.
5.
Melanie Hamilton's most notable feature is a pair of large brown eyes.
6.
Melanie Hamilton's main stated reason is that he believes he has more in common with Melanie than with Scarlett.
7.
Scarlett considers that she is taking revenge against Melanie Hamilton by marrying her brother.
8.
The wedding takes place two weeks later on April 30,1861, but Melanie Hamilton is actually pleased about the marriage as she views her new sister-in-law as a true sister.
9.
Melanie Hamilton seems to take an instant liking to Scarlett and welcomes her to their family.
10.
Melanie Hamilton's brother has died less than two months after his enlistment, having contracted and recovered from the measles but then succumbing to pneumonia.
11.
Melanie Hamilton expresses an interest in getting to know her "sister" better and later in seeing her nephew.
12.
Melanie Hamilton's mother is concerned about her and finally manages to convince her to accept the invitations.
13.
Melanie Hamilton is welcomed by Uncle Peter, aging but still determined to take care of his new charges.
14.
Melanie Hamilton brings her to the house of her aunt and sister-in-law.
15.
Melanie Hamilton is serving as a volunteer nurse in the local hospital.
16.
Melanie Hamilton seems content with the new situation as Scarlett proves to be a better companion than their elderly aunt.
17.
Melanie Hamilton harshly criticizes their presence in the city, while more forces are needed at the front.
18.
Melanie Hamilton has worked his way up and has made his own fortune in the California Gold Rush of 1849.
19.
Melanie Hamilton has gained wealth and success as a trader but he has a poor reputation.
20.
Melanie Hamilton seems to take an instant interest in befriending both young women and soon starts flirting with Scarlett.
21.
Melanie Hamilton privately explains to Scarlett, who by this point has become her closest confidante, that in the process she risks her own reputation, but she reasons that the hospital needs any help it can get and that Belle's intentions are noble in this case.
22.
Melanie Hamilton has received a week-long leave, and it is the first time Melanie and Scarlett have seen him in about two years.
23.
Melanie Hamilton is left blissfully unaware of the feelings her husband and "sister" have for each other and the latter's new responsibility towards herself.
24.
Melanie Hamilton is three months pregnant with Ashley's child in March 1864.
25.
Melanie Hamilton has wanted a child for some time and already acted as a second mother to her nephew Wade.
26.
Melanie Hamilton is glad for the chance to have her own child.
27.
Melanie Hamilton is unable to grasp the reasons for this reaction but fears that she has somehow hurt her friend.
28.
Melanie Hamilton is met with the fears of the doctor examining her.
29.
Anxious over her husband's uncertain fate, Melanie Hamilton grows restless for some time.
30.
Fortunately for Melanie Hamilton, Rhett happens to be near and returns her home safely.
31.
Melanie Hamilton is put on bed rest for most of the third trimester of her pregnancy.
32.
The Wilkeses move there with their little boy after Melanie Hamilton persuades Ashley to help Scarlett start a lumber business.
33.
Melanie Hamilton becomes a social pillar of Atlanta, known for her charity and kindness.
34.
Rhett says Melanie Hamilton is one of the few real ladies he's ever known.
35.
Melanie Hamilton almost reveals that Scarlett has long been in love with Ashley before he realizes who he's talking to.
36.
Melanie Hamilton subsequently gives up his feelings for Scarlett and focuses his attentions on their daughter Bonnie, who later dies in a riding accident.
37.
In 1873, Melanie Hamilton becomes pregnant again, although Dr Meade had specifically warned her against it.
38.
Melanie Hamilton tells her how much she's loved her, asks her to take care of Beau and of Ashley, and speaks her last words, which involve Rhett Butler and his intense love for Scarlett.
39.
Melanie Hamilton's death serves as a catalyst for the final phase of Scarlett's character growth in the book.
40.
Melanie Hamilton is the stereotypical southern belle, embodying the femininity and grace idealized by antebellum American Southern culture.
41.
Melanie Hamilton is universally admired by all of the characters for her selfless goodness, though Scarlett occasionally derides her naivety.
42.
Melanie Hamilton is a well-pedigreed member of the Southern aristocracy from a well-known and established family.
43.
Melanie Hamilton is known for her selfless charity, unending kindness, and delicacy.
44.
Melanie Hamilton being placed on a pillar by Southern society can be viewed as their worship of the time and standards of the past, with the rejection of Scarlett being the rejection of the Southern post-war reality's need for practical survival.
45.
Melanie Hamilton's fading and eventual death reflect the permanent loss of the pre-war glory, and Scarlett's final rejection of Melanie Hamilton's husband indicate that the South is ready to move on from the past.
46.
Melanie Hamilton's performance was praised, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress; the award ultimately went to co-star Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy in the film.