The Attackers in 'Gone With the Wind' and the Role of Big Sam

Gone With the Wind is a tale filled with intrigue and drama, particularly poignant during a pivotal scene in the film where the main character, Scarlett O'Hara, is attacked in Shantytown. But who are the attackers, and what role does Big Sam play in the story?

Beyond the Book: The Attackers in the Film and Book

The film adaptation of 'Gone With the Wind' offers a different narrative compared to the book. In the movie, at least one of the attackers is portrayed as a black person, while the other is played by a famed Hollywood stuntman, Yakima Canutt. This visual representation differs from the book, where the identity of Scarlett’s attackers remains a mystery.

Big Sam and His Role during the Opening Scenes

Big Sam, a field hand, serves as the foreman at Tara in the film. However, in the book, he plays a different role compared to the movie. In the beginning, there is a white overseer responsible for managing the plantation. Big Sam becomes the foreman only after Gerald O'Hara dismisses the white overseer at his wife’s suggestion. The white overseer had gotten a neighboring girl pregnant, which would explain why he was eventually dismissed.

It is important to note that the scene where Big Sam calls out "Quit time" only appears in the film and not in the book. This discrepancy highlights the differences between the written and cinematic versions of the story.

Who are the Attackers?

The book does not provide specific names for the attackers on Scarlett. However, in the film, one attacker is played by a black actor, while the other is a white actor. This representation raises questions about their motivations and backgrounds. Could the black attacker have been a former worker at Tara? Given that slaves were usually treated well on the O'Hara plantation, this seems unlikely. However, if the black attacker had needed money, that could have been a motive.

Scarlett might also have recognized the black attacker later. If the attacker did have a connection to Tara, she could have recognized him, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative. The film also suggests that the attackers were living in Shantytown at the time of the attack, supporting the idea of a potential former connection.

Big Sam's Actions and Reactions

Big Sam hears Scarlett's cries for help and rushes to her rescue. This crucial moment highlights his bravery and loyalty. However, if he had previously worked with the black attacker, it is unlikely that he would have remained silent during the confrontation. Sam tosses the attacker into a creek and then runs to catch Scarlett's carriage, making it clear that he did not know the attackers until hearing Scarlett's screams.

This sequence of events in the film raises questions about the relationship between Big Sam and the attackers. If they had been acquaintances, it is improbable that Sam would not have spoken up or tried to stop the attack. The film’s depiction of Sam rushing to Scarlett’s aid underscores his commitment, even if he was not directly involved with the attackers.

Conclusion

The attack on Scarlett in 'Gone With the Wind' paints a vivid picture of the dangers and complexities of life during the Civil War era. Both the book and the film differ in their portrayal of this scene, offering unique insights into the characters and their motivations. Big Sam’s role in both is crucial, highlighting themes of loyalty and bravery in the face of adversity.

The identity of the attackers, while mysterious in the book, provides a compelling visual in the film, adding layers of intrigue and tension to the narrative. Understanding the context and the motivations behind the attackers and Big Sam’s actions enriches our appreciation of this timeless classic.