What is the central conflict in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"?

The central conflict in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" revolves around the struggle between individual conscience and societal pressure. This conflict is most vividly illustrated through the character of John Proctor and his internal battle with his own moral values versus the intense social expectations and hysteria of the Salem witch trials. Proctor's journey highlights the difficulty of standing up for personal beliefs in the face of overwhelming societal fear and condemnation.

Throughout the play, characters grapple with their own beliefs and the consequences of voicing them in a community that prioritizes conformity and collective panic over individual integrity. As accusations of witchcraft abound, the fear of social ostracism or worse leads many to abandon their principles to align with the prevailing mass hysteria. Proctor’s ultimate decision to maintain his integrity, even at great personal cost, encapsulates this theme, making it the focal conflict that drives the narrative forward.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the primary tension of the story as effectively. While the battle between good and evil is an overarching theme, it is largely encompassed within the more nuanced struggle of individual conscience against societal demands. The fight for personal freedom and the conflict of love and hate certainly play roles in the characters’ experiences, but they do not represent the