In classic American literature, who wrote the famous novel "Gone with the Wind"?

Introduction / Context:
This question refers to one of the most famous American historical novels. "Gone with the Wind" is a classic set during and after the American Civil War and is also known due to its film adaptation. Knowledge of its author is a common requirement in general knowledge, literature and film related questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The novel "Gone with the Wind" is mentioned by name.
• The options are Jane Austen, William Blake, Charles Dickens and Margaret Mitchell.
• Only one of these is the correct author.

Concept / Approach:
Jane Austen and Charles Dickens are classic British authors. William Blake is a British poet and artist. "Gone with the Wind" is an American novel written by Margaret Mitchell. Recognising the national and historical context of the story helps eliminate the other names. The approach is to recall that Margaret Mitchell wrote this one large novel which became a cultural phenomenon.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "Gone with the Wind" is a long historical novel about the American South, centred on the character Scarlett O'Hara. Step 2: The novel is by American author Margaret Mitchell, who is strongly associated with this single major work. Step 3: Jane Austen wrote novels like "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility", and her stories are set in England, not in the American South. Step 4: William Blake is known for poetry and illustrated works, not for writing this novel. Step 5: Charles Dickens wrote novels such as "Great Expectations" and "David Copperfield", and did not write "Gone with the Wind". Step 6: Therefore, Margaret Mitchell is the only correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard reference work on world literature or American fiction lists "Gone with the Wind" under Margaret Mitchell's name. The film adaptation also credits her novel as the source. You will not find credible references linking this title to Jane Austen, William Blake or Charles Dickens, whose works belong to different periods and settings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Jane Austen is wrong because she wrote earlier British novels focusing on manners and marriage, not this Civil War epic.
• William Blake is wrong because he was primarily a poet and artist, not the novelist behind "Gone with the Wind".
• Charles Dickens is wrong because his novels are set in Victorian England and have different themes and characters.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may simply pick a very famous name like Charles Dickens without considering the setting and era of the novel. Others may confuse British and American classics. Thinking first about the historical context of the story and then about which author wrote about that context is a helpful strategy.

Final Answer:
The novel "Gone with the Wind" was written by Margaret Mitchell.