Scarlett O'Hara: Separating Real Quotes from the Myths

You’ve probably seen the phrase “After all, tomorrow is another day” attributed to Scarlett O’Hara — and that one is real. But what about “I don’t give a damn for all the world”? Or “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn”? These lines are often lumped together in popular culture, but not all of them were actually spoken by Scarlett in Gone with the Wind. Let’s take a closer look at which quotes truly belong to her — and which ones were either misattributed or came from elsewhere in the story.

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

This famous line, often cited as one of the most iconic in film history, is actually spoken by Rhett Butler — not Scarlett O’Hara. It appears in both the novel and the film adaptation, delivered by Rhett as he walks away from Scarlett at the end of the story. Despite its enduring popularity and frequent misattribution, it’s important to note that this was Rhett’s parting shot, not Scarlett’s.

“After all, tomorrow is another day.”

Yes, this is the real deal — and it's Scarlett’s final line in the story. It captures her enduring optimism and determination. Spoken after she realizes that Rhett no longer loves her and that she must face the future without him, this line reflects her resilience. It’s her moment of resolve, a declaration that no matter how hard things get, she will keep going.

“I don’t give a damn for all the world.”

This quote is often confused with Rhett’s more famous line, but it does appear in the novel — spoken by Scarlett herself. She says it in a moment of defiance, not as a cold dismissal but as a passionate assertion of her own will. It shows her fiery independence and refusal to be bound by others’ expectations.

“As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again.”

This powerful declaration is also Scarlett’s — and it comes at a pivotal moment in the story. After returning to Tara during the war and vowing to never go hungry or allow her family to suffer again, Scarlett makes this oath under the moonlight. It’s one of the most memorable and emotionally charged lines in the book and film, perfectly capturing her fierce determination.

“I’m no lady, and I never pretended to be.”

While this line sounds like something Scarlett might say — and she does express similar sentiments throughout the story — it’s not directly quoted in either the book or the film. The line may be a paraphrase or a fan-created version of her more authentic statements about not conforming to Southern expectations of womanhood. Scarlett was proud of her strength and often defied social norms, but this exact quote doesn’t appear in the original text.

Why does misattribution happen?

Scarlett O’Hara is such a vivid and memorable character that people often assume any bold, defiant quote must belong to her. Add in the blending of lines from the film and novel, and it’s easy for quotes to get mixed up. Plus, Rhett Butler’s lines are so sharp and memorable that they often get lumped together with Scarlett’s. The confusion is understandable — but for fans who want to know the real Scarlett, it’s worth getting the quotes right.

Talk to Scarlett O'Hara on HoloDream and hear her thoughts on strength, survival, and setting the record straight.