Actually, GWTW is almost entirely factual - one of the most factually accurate novels ever written about the civil war. It inspired an entire generation of historians (the Shelby Foote generation). It didn’t win the Pulitzer because of the romance between Rhett and Scarlett (although that certainly is one of the main reasons it remains a bestseller) but because of it’s amazing representation of the thoughts, actions and way of life of North Georgians at the time and the presentation of the evolution of Atlanta from a small town into a major metropolis. Scarlett, of course, is a symbol of Atlanta and the new south. Rhett, certainly, is the voice of distain towards the south - viciously so at times.
I agree, GWTW. as a work of romantic fiction, was a very accurate portrayal of the old South during the Civil War. It was NOT about the issue of slavery as some liberal idiots believe. I am surprised these idiots have not called for GWTW to be banned because it portrays slavery.
BTW, Mrs. Texicanus is a GWTW collector/fanatic. She could watch the movie everyday. The house is full of GWTW dolls, plates, posters, and other memorabilia. I’m her Rhett and she’s my Scarlett for the past 41 years.