How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Her vanity leaped to the aid of her desire to believe, making belief a certainty. If he knew she loved him, he would hasten to her side. (4.73)
Scarlett's vanity is considerable, and it often leaps to the aid of her belief. In fact, this quote about Ashley from early in the book mirrors her certainty at the end of the book that she can get Rhett back.
Quote #2
"Why all we have is cotton and slaves and arrogance. They'd lick us in a month." (6.116)
Here Rhett is explaining to the other Confederates that their plans for victory are ridiculous. As with Scarlett, arrogance and conceit play a big part in dreams and hopes for Southern victory. Pride cometh before the face plant.
Quote #3
She was less frightened also because life had taken on the quality of a dream, a dream too terrible to be real. It wasn't possible that she, Scarlett O'Hara, should be in such a predicament, with the danger of death about her every hour, every minute. (19.13)
Scarlett's vision and dream of herself as a Southern belle, and her belief that all will be well, persists even as Atlanta falls and everything slides toward chaos. Her dreams are something of a protection—which is the case throughout the novel. Part of why she's so tough is that her dreams are so tough; they protect her from realizing that there's no hope, and so she often wins even when things are hopeless. She is insulated from despair.