Chapter V
Lily Bart's point of view becomes more clear as the topic of religion arises. Her primary use for attending church is to entice the interest of a possible husband, Percy Gryce. Just as good for her was what she ended up doing: walking in the gardens with another suitor. Her point of view has become so limited to her singular goal of finding a husband that religion, relationships, and personal amusement have no place in her narrowing mind frame. She finds little value in devotion to religion. Those who she views as finding church attendance necessary "belonged to the vast group of human automata who go through life without neglecting to perform a single one of the gestures executed by the surrounding puppets" (Wharton, 53). As most other events in her life are simply formalities, church was simply another place to "go through the motions." It was just another place for her to further her ambitions. She points out how frivolous these events and practices are, but continues them anyway, falling into the patterns set out by other members of society. It will be interesting to see if Lily continues to comply with the demands of society or follows the example of Seldon and leaves the pressures of society life. 
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