The CrucibleConflicts

#1. The quote Proctor: Its winter in here yet. (51): Refers to how John and Elizabeths
relationship has gone cold and theyve grown separate. Elizabeth treats John coldly because
she cannot forgive him for having an affair with Abigail.
#2. Man vs. Man John Proctor vs. Abigail Williams
Man vs. ManAbigail Williams vs. Elizabeth Proctor
Man vs. SocietyRaverend Parris vs Salem
Man vs. SelfJohn Proctor vs. Himself
Proctor vs. Abigail most important, shaped the storyline and how the events would happen.
#3. Justice vs disorder: The definition of justice is the moral principle determining just
conduct, righteousness or moral rightness. Justice is used to maintain a safe environment for
people to live in. However too much justice causes disorder. For instance, in the Crucible,
people are accused for practicing witchcraft. The judge did not further investigate the case
and assumed they were guilty, furthermore this caused innocent people to be tried unfairly.
ELIZABETH: The Deputy Governor promise hangin if theyll not confess, John. ......
And folks are brought before them, and if they scream and howl and fall to the floor-the persons clapped in jail for bewitchin them.(52-53)
#4. Authority vs Personal Responsibility
PARRIS: There is either obedience or the church will burn like Hell is burning. (30)
Parris tries to emphasize his authority over Proctor
PROCTOR: I mean it solemnly, Rebecca;I like not the smell of this authority (31)
PROCTOR: I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only
hellfire and bloody damnation. (28)
Proctor abandons his personal responsibility (attending church) as he grows a sense of
hatred for Parris when Parris tries to claim authority over him
#5. Honesty vs. Security (ACT III)
Mary Warren struggling with honesty:
DANFORTH: Then you tell me that you sat in my court, callously lying, when you
knew that people would hang by your evidence? She does not answer. Answer me!(101)
Abigail fakes the symptoms to cover the truth:
ABIGAIL, looking about in the air, clasping her arms about her as though cold: II
know not. A wind, a cold wind, has come. Her eyes fall on Mary Warren.(108)
Mary Warren is collapsing: MARY WARREN, almost collapsing: Let me go, Mr.
Proctor, I cannot, I cannot(109)
Mary Warren chose to be with Abigail and the girls for she wouldnt be accused of
telling the truth. The conflict between Honesty and Security took place in her mind
and shaped the story in ACT IV.
#6. John Proctor vs Elizabeth Proctor
PROCTOR: Spare me! You forget nothin and you forgive nothin... I cannot speak
but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies, as though I come into a court when I
come in to this house! (54-55)
Tension grows between John and Elizabeth after Johns affair with Abigail. This leads
to paranoia as John feels that Elizabeth is suspicious of everything he does.

 ELIZABETH, upon a heaving sob that always threatens: John, it come to naught that
I should forgive you, if youll not forgive yourself. (136)
From this conflict, it can be considered that Arthur Miller is implying the fact that one
cannot be fully forgiven by another until they grant forgiveness unto themselves.
#7. John vs Hale, Parris, and Danforth: John's strong moral beliefs opposes the beliefs of
those such as Minister Parris and Judge Danforth. John believes Parris, for example, is
materialistic and disrespects him. In return, Parris dislikes John for his behaviour towards
him." Proctor: ....a minister may pray to God without he have golden candlesticks upon the
altar." (60)
John also believes in being true to yourself, while Danforth believes that witches,
although possibly innocent, should confess. This eventually leads to John Proctor's
own persecution and hanging. "Proctor: I have no knowledge of it; the Bible speaks of
witches, and I will not deny them." (69) "Danforth: As for witches, none will deny that
we are most eager for all their confessions." (100) "Proctor: Excellency, does it not
strike upon you that so many of these women have lived so long with such upright
reputation, and-" (91)
Hale and John's original relationship was negative, but Hale becomes convinced of
John's reasoning and joins his cause later in the play. "Proctor: Is the accuser always
holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers?" (77)
#8. John vs Abigail
Temporarily being with Abigail is just a mistake John made. Proctor: Abby, I never
gave you hope to wait for me. (22)
Abigail has mistakenly thought that John loves her. Abigail, grasping his hand before
he can release her: John- I am waitin for you every night. (22)
#9. John vs Self (search for integrity)
He [Proctor] is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of the time, but
against his own vision of decent conduct. (20)
PROCTOR: Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!
Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live
without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name! (143)
Proctor exists as a sinner and he was ready to confess to save his life, however when he was
brought before Rebecca Nurse and asked to sign his confession, he chose to die without
betraying his morals or sacrificing his integrity
#10. Abigail Williams vs Elizabeth Proctor: Elizabeth was the wife of John, Abigail was
their servant, and both women were in love with John. Evidently causing severe issues with
their relationship, both lady equally despising the other shown in the quotes above.
ABIGAIL, with a bitter anger: Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a
sickly wife be- (23) ELIZABETH: She (Abigail) wants me dead. I knew it all
week it would come to this (60)