Scarlett believes that when the war took away the South’s wealth, everything else went with it. She connects gentility with wealth, believing that no one should pretend to have manners, dignity, or pride unless they have money too. Other Southerners believe the South has lost its wealth but not its character or dignity. Consequently, as she faces poverty, Scarlett veers toward moral collapse, as she’s willing to do anything for money. Scarlett still wants to be a “great lady” like Ellen, but thinks she, and not Ellen, knows the right way to get there.