IN

I wish to express my appreciation to the people who have made my years as a graduate student productive and enjoyable. I especially want to thank the members of my dissertation committee whose encouragement has been vital to the completion of this project. Special mention should be made of Dr. Patrick W. Shaw, my major professor, who suggested that I attend a Willa Gather conference in New England and has since listened patiently as my ideas about Gather have evolved; Dr. Jeanette G. Harris, my role model, mentor, and friend, who taught me how to write; Dr. M. Matthias Schubnell, a thoughtful, meticulous reader, who encouraged me to take my time when I needed such advice; Dr. Idris Rhea Traylor, Jr., a gentleman and a scholar, who shared his extensive knowledge of the Southern genteel tradition and its history; and Dr. Walte