Pride

Each of the ghosts who give up on Heaven to return to Hell possesses pride insomuch that he cannot progress. Pride manifests itself in many different ways. Some of the ghosts cannot give up their authority. Some are greedy or narrow-minded or cynical. Some will not allow others to see them as they are and so they cannot find help or progress on their journeys. Some will not forgive or forget trespasses from long ago, so they grow bitter and smaller.

The Bright People who advise the ghosts continually ask the ghosts to let go of something or other in order that they might progress. Invariably, the ghosts try to give up their pride, but they find it too difficult. They would rather return to Hell and keep their pride intact than remain in Heaven and humble themselves.

There is one exception to the rule. The ghost with...