One of the main sources of conflict between John Proctor and Abigail Williams is their past romantic relationship. Abigail, who is still in love with John, becomes jealous when she realizes that he is no longer interested in her. This jealousy leads him to accuse John's wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft in an attempt to eliminate his competitors. This is evident in Act 1 when Abigail warns John: "I seek John Proctor who has awakened me from my sleep and put knowledge into my heart!" I never knew what Salem was like, I never knew the lessons of lying that all those people taught me. Christian women and their allied men! » (Miller 20). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Additionally, John Proctor's guilt over his affair with Abigail adds another layer to their conflict. He is torn between his desire to protect his wife and the fear of losing his reputation. This internal struggle is evident in his interactions with Abigail, as he tries to distance himself from her while trying to placate her to avoid further accusations. This conflict is highlighted in Act 2 when John confronts Abigail and says, “Abby, I can think of you quietly from time to time. But I’ll cut off my hand before I can reach you again” (Miller 24) Abigail’s manipulation and deception also contribute to the conflicts between her and John Proctor. She uses her power over the other girls in Salem to fabricate accusations of witchcraft, leading to chaos and hysteria in the community. John Proctor, who knows the truth about Abigail's actions, confronts her and attempts to expose her lies, further escalating their conflict. This manipulation is evident in Act 3 when John accuses Abigail of being an impostor, stating, "She thinks she's dancing with me on my wife's grave!" there is promise in such sweat. But it’s a whore’s revenge” (Miller 124). Additionally, the societal and religious norms of the time play a significant role in the conflicts between John Proctor and Abigail Williams. Salem's strict Puritan beliefs and moral code create a backdrop of judgment and condemnation, forcing characters to manage their actions within these constraints. John Proctor's struggle to reconcile his own moral failings with the expectations of his community adds another dimension to his conflict with Abigail. This is evident in Act 4 when John Proctor struggles with his decision to confess his witchcraft and save his life, declaring, "Because that's my name!" Because I can't have another one in my life! Because I lie and I sign lies! Because I am not worth the dust at the feet of those who hang! » (Miller 143). Overall, the conflicts between John Proctor and Abigail Williams in “The Crucible” are multifaceted and deeply intertwined with themes of love, betrayal, guilt, and power. These conflicts drive the story forward, revealing the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of unchecked ambition and jealousy. Through their interactions, the characters of John Proctor and Abigail Williams serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of uncontrolled emotions and the destructive power of deception. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, the conflicts between John Proctor and Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" are essential to the story's themes and character development. These conflicts highlight the complexity of human relationships and..