Neither Hester Prynne nor Goodman Brown appear to be capable of believing wholeheartedly in the piety of the Puritan community. What experiences make them doubt the ideals of their religious neighbors?

Goodman Brown initially appears to be a pious individual, but over the course of "Young Goodman Brown," it becomes clear that his faith is tied up in the faith of others in his community. While it is ambiguous whether the events of "Young Goodman Brown" are a dream or not, as he begins to think the other members of his community are associating with the Devil, he quickly decides to do the same.
While Hester Prynne strives toward sainthood, we also see the way in which the scorn of her community pushes her towards a self-reliance that is antithetical to the Puritan gender roles of her village. She is depicted as exceedingly helpful and "able," but this characterization also positions her as "un-womanly" by the standards of her village. Eventually, she starts to accept this and begins moving with a freedom and independence that is seen as rebellious.