Stephen is doubtless correct about the setting of _Stella Dallas_ in Massachusetts. Yet I can't shake the notion that the name has something to do with the stereotypes the original poster seeks to study concerning Southern women. Thanks for the correction. Eric Eric Rabkin [log in to unmask] Department of English [log in to unmask] University of Michigan office : 313-764-2553 Ann Arbor MI 48109-1045 dept : 313-764-6330 deptl fax : 313-763-3128 voice msgs: 313-763-3130