A mathematical model of "Gone with the Wind"

Rinaldi, S., Della Rossa, F., & Landi, P. (2013). A mathematical model of "Gone with the Wind". IIASA Interim Report. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: IR-13-061

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Abstract

Following the standard modelling approach used in physics and chemistry, we develop a mathematical model for mimicking the love story between Scarlett and Rhett described in "Gone with the Wind". The model is composed of two Ordinary Differential Equations, one for Scarlett and one for Rhett, which incapsulate their main psychophysical characteristics. Physically speaking, the two equations are "love"- balance equations in which two regeneration processes (reaction to appeal and to love of the partner) and a consumption process (oblivion) are taken into account. Scarlett and Rhett are described as so-called insecure individuals because they respond very strongly to small involvements of the partner but then attenuate their reaction when the pressure exerted by the partner becomes too high. These characterisics of Scarlett and Rhett clearly emerge during the first part of the film and are sufficient to develop a model that perfectly predicts the complex evolution and the dramatic end of the story. The consistency betwen model and film explains with a scientific approach why "Gone with the Wind" has become one of the most successful films of all times.

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