The Puritan church, like similar religious systems of diverse backgrounds that are commonly based upon defined deities, has writings and lessons that in the name of an absolute ruler, dictate, without space for subjective interpretation, which actions are good and which are evil. Therefore, universal truths apply to all individuals, despite the varying characters of these persons; and acts of evil are

By submitting to guilt, Hester and Dimmesdale do not allow themselves the self-actualization that is experienced by Proctor and Pearl. Instead, they subscribe to the practice of confession and apology, which eternally binds them to focus on one act; hindering their progress into further actions. Guilt can essentially be experienced as a cage, limiting the forward motion of its captive. This is shown in Hester who, upon receiving her mark of wrong-doing, announces that "these were here realities- all else had vanished!" (Hawthorne 66)

The Scarlet Letter develops its key characters through intricate explorations of the guilt they suffer as a consequence of their sin. Hester and Dimmesdale are plagued by this guilt assigned by God. Because they accept communal doctrine that proposes that religion dictates what acceptable behavior is, they are obligated to repent; despite their desire to be together. This obligatory guilt that Hester and Dimmesdale experience is not shared by Proctor or Pearl, who are also branded illegitimate by the Puritan God. While they have been assigned the same degree of sin by society as Hester and Dimmesdale, they have made a choice to pursue their own happiness by acting on their beliefs. Pearl's character, is not meant to demonstrate emotion like John Proctor's, but is used as a symbol to stress Hawthorne's focus on individual need and personal expression. In The Scarlet Letter, Pearl wears a dress of scarlet and gold. The garment, lush and immodest, sets her air apart from the conservative nature of binding Puritan society. Pearl does not exist as consciously immoral; but only amorally ignorant of the empty ethical standards that are prescribed by the Church to help her. Pearl, as the personification of the scarlet letter's meaning, teaches that assigned stigma, though pain-inducing, is not completely negative. Bearing shame publicly allows the guilty a chance to move away from ritual repentance based on communal belief, becoming free of their deed and its weight, in order better to themselves. This liberation and admittance of action allows Hester sanity, and alleviates her guilt to some degree. Hester is ultimately, however, burdened by Pearl and her support for independent opposition. Hester cannot muster the courage and pained power necessary to attain freedom from sin. Pearl is a reflection of Hester's most basic and intrinsic feelings. Unlike Hester, she is able to transcend that which is taught to her, and act upon the closeted opposition Hester fosters towards the binding society she is subject to.

In hopes of evading both guilt and self actualization at the expense of society's ridicule, Abby transfers the blame placed upon her. Her exponential accusations are seen as moral by society. The need that Abby has cultivated, based upon fear of God, not to oppose religious society, creates further negativity in the community. Proctor reinforces Miller's belief that the transfer of blame and responsibility harm the individual by wishing to Elizabeth to "look to your own improvement before you to judge your husband any more." (Miller 54) Abigail's acts of mistruth and interpersonal vengeance are accepted by a system that seeks what is "good", but she clearly makes a "bad" decision when she causes the unjust death and pain of others. The strife she creates is allowed under the moral guide of the Puritan God, and could be avoided by conscious objection to sanctimonious habit in favor of personal will. More ironic than these unattained

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2356
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)