How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I was much relieved to find my side of the bed empty. I got the extra blankets and arranged them as I had the night before. I said my prayers and it was some time before I got any sleep. I had a cough. (3.350)
We never see Mattie heading to church, but here we get the sense that religion is part of her daily life.
Quote #8
I too am now a member of the Southern Church. I say nothing against the Cumberlands. They broke with the Presbyterian Church because they did not believe a preacher needed a lot of formal education. That is all right but they are not sound on Election. I confess it is a hard doctrine, running contrary to our earthly ideas of fair play, but I can see no way around it. (6.7)
Okay, Mattie seems a little obsessed with the idea of election. It makes sense. A man like Tom Chaney could never be one of the elect, because he doesn't act in any sort of pious way—and maybe she sees this as a justification for her vengeance on him. Or, maybe she's worried that seeking revenge would earn her punishment, if it weren't for predestination.