In the first book-length study of Porter's work, Nance defines a central thematic pattern--a principle of rejection--that unifies her fiction. This study is largely devoted to the explication of this theme in the individual works, though necessarily it reaches beyond this theme and into a general consideration of Porter's literary career and biography. Originally published in 1964. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.