What was crime in Gone With the Wind?

"Gone With the Wind" doesn't depict a lot of overt criminal activity in the traditional sense. The focus is on the social and political upheaval of the American Civil War and its aftermath, as well as the personal struggles of the characters within that context.

However, there are instances of behavior that could be considered criminal:

* Theft: The novel describes instances of looting and stealing by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the war.

* Violence: There are depictions of physical violence, including shootings, assaults, and the threat of violence, often in the context of war or social unrest.

* Fraud: Scarlett O'Hara's schemes to acquire land and money could be considered fraudulent in some cases, though the novel doesn't explicitly portray them as illegal.

* Racism: The book reflects the deeply embedded racism of the antebellum South, with characters like Ashley Wilkes expressing prejudiced views. This prejudice directly leads to violence and injustice against enslaved people, which, in modern terms, would constitute serious criminal activity.

While "Gone With the Wind" does not showcase a conventional crime narrative, it presents a complex picture of a society undergoing significant change, with various acts that would be considered criminal by today's standards. It's important to remember that the novel is a product of its time and reflects the social norms and values of the early 20th century.