Question

Lines 419–431: How does the event described in these lines qualify as a plot complication?

Answer 1

Taking into consideration that a plot complication is when a further detail is revealed regarding the conflict. Said detail can be directly related to the conflict or simply be an inconvenience representing further difficulty to solving the central conflict. In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, act 2, lines 419–431, Mary is defending herself from John Proctor's threat to whip her by her argument on how she saved Elizabeth's life (Proctor's wife) by being present in Salem on that day. The fact that Elizabeth has been accused is a complication because it shows a new detail about the central conflict of the play. If the main conflict is revealing the fake nature of the witch trials, the complication revealed here is that Abigail is the one accusing Elizabeth (considered an honorable woman) to take her place as Proctor's wife (lines 490-499).