Mrs. Merriwether Character Analysis in Gone with the Wind

Mrs. Merriwether is one of Atlanta’s prominent gossipy ladies, along with Mrs. Elsing and Mrs. Whiting. She runs one of the war hospital committees at which Scarlett volunteers. Mrs. Merriwether disapproves of Scarlett for disregarding the rules of mourning. She even writes to Ellen O’Hara to tell her of Scarlett’s shameful conduct at the bazaar, when Scarlett danced with Rhett Butler. Mrs. Merriwether is particularly critical of Scarlett’s association with Rhett, thinking him a “speculator.” After the war, she starts selling pies to make money, and Rhett wins her favor by loaning her money to improve her business.

Mrs. Merriwether Character Timeline in Gone with the Wind

The timeline below shows where the character Mrs. Merriwether appears in Gone with the Wind. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Looking Forward vs. Looking Back Theme Icon

...and sick people. Peter points out the different factories and war offices as he drives. Mrs. Merriwether , Mrs. Elsing, and Mrs. Whiting—the infamous “pillars of Atlanta” who’d heard Scarlett was coming—wave... (full context)

As Peter and Scarlett pass, Mrs. Merriwether makes Scarlett promise to work in her hospital instead of anyone else’s. As they continue,... (full context)

Practicality, Tenacity, and Selfishness Theme Icon

Scarlett loathes working at the hospital. She is on both Mrs. Merriwether and Mrs. Meade’s committees. The war bores her and she has no “patriotic fervor.” The... (full context)

...for waving at boys from her bedroom, saying everyone will think she’s “fast.” Scarlett says Mrs. Merriwether , the “old cat,” will say that. Pitty starts to cry and Scarlett apologizes for... (full context)

...has Ashley while Scarlett had no one. Scarlett stays in bed all day. After dinner, Mrs. Merriwether and Mrs. Elsing stop in. The women share that the McLure girls have left for... (full context)

The Civil War and Reconstruction Theme Icon

...organized the bazaar glide around importantly, Pittypat at their heels. The Black musicians, led by Mrs. Merriwether ’s coachman, Old Levi, take the stage and break into a slow song. Scarlett sways... (full context)

...isn’t as strong as she thought. Melanie warns Scarlett to be careful talking to strangers— Mrs. Merriwether was staring. Scarlett brushes her off, saying Rhett is an “ill-bred boor.” Dr. Meade reveals... (full context)

...from Ellen scolding her for her conduct at the bazaar. Ellen must have heard from Mrs. Merriwether . Ellen is heartbroken that Scarlett would forget her upbringing and flirt so soon after... (full context)

During these war times, men call on girls without any of the proper conventions. Mrs. Merriwether fears the South is heading towards moral collapse when she finds her daughter Maybelle kissing... (full context)

Even Mrs. Merriwether caves and invites Rhett to dinner after he finds a bolt of satin from England... (full context)

In the carriage on the way home, Mrs. Merriwether scolds Pittypat, Melanie, and Scarlett for their association with Rhett, “the traitor,” and demands that... (full context)

...in the war by the government, but the war will change them for the worse. Mrs. Merriwether says Melanie must have misunderstood the letter; it was horrible to compare Ashley with the... (full context)

Mrs. Merriwether gets out at her house, threatening that they’ll be sorry. Miss Pittypat, strangely calm, says... (full context)

...gone to Pennsylvania. Rhett Butler approaches. Scarlett can’t believe he has the nerve to appear. Mrs. Merriwether screams “speculator!” as he passes. Rhett jokes with Scarlett and shares that the casualty list... (full context)

One day, wounded soldiers start pouring in from Kennesaw Mountain. Mrs. Merriwether wakes Scarlett early and drives her to the hospital. Scarlett is so tired of nursing... (full context)

...persons are always happy to bring bad news. Prissy shares that she tried to bring Mrs. Merriweather , but she’s busy at the hospital. Scarlett sends Prissy to get Mrs. Elsing, and... (full context)

Frank says that many Atlanta residents such as Mrs. Merriwether and Mrs. Meade are returning to Atlanta, living in tents while they rebuild their homes.... (full context)

...own expense. Scarlett changes the subject cheerfully to news of old friends. Pitty tells how Mrs. Merriwether and Maybelle were selling pies to Yankees to make ends meet. Pitty understands, but she’d... (full context)

...sweet and feminine. Now she talks and makes decisions like a man. Mrs. Elsing and Mrs. Merriwether are commanding women, but they at least pretend to submit to men’s opinions. Everyone talks... (full context)

Mrs. Merriwether decides to tell Scarlett not to marry the Scallawag Rhett Butler. When Scarlett reminds her... (full context)

...Melanie has gone into the kitchen before she says she won’t visit Scarlett and Rhett. Mrs. Merriwether agrees, saying her husband was nagging her to be polite to the man who’d put... (full context)

...visit her anymore. Mrs. Elsing cries and she and Melanie embrace, but Melanie is firm. Mrs. Merriwether cries and Pitty faints. India slips quietly out. Later that night, in the Girl of... (full context)

Rhett wins over Mrs. Merriwether by loaning her money for her bakery. He takes a job at the bank, wanting... (full context)

...not understanding the hardships she’s experienced. She wants to talk with her old friends, like Mrs. Merriwether and Mrs. Elsing, about hard times and tragedy. She understands now why ex-Confederates like to... (full context)