Question

Describe proctor's internal conflict. How could it relate to a broader conflict in the play—between public and private selves?

Answer 1

Proctor asks Elizabeth for forgiveness, kept himself humble in front of her because he admitted his failure. As Elizabeth doesn't absolve him at all, he is compelled, to choose between either he continues to live in a guilt life or to forgive himself. This is his internal conflict.

John Proctor tries to convince Abigail that the bond between them has been broken so she should not more expect from him. But in response, Abigail represents a failure of integrity for him. Proctor's first external conflict is dealing with her as well as his wife.

The other main external conflict was to face the unpopular truth in public. He had to decide either he puts himself at risk in prevailing belief or to challenge it. If he challenges it, he goes against the church and the courts and it was a much against his community.

At last, he overcomes his fear and speaks against Abagail and courts. He is determined to tell truth in either way. Either it may cause criticism or make investigators enemy of him. In doing this he condemns to death but can get back his moral position as a man of integrity and, individuality and dedication to the truth.