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 her to accuse John's wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft in an attempt to eliminate her competition. This is evident in Act 1 when Abigail warns John, “I seek John Proctor who hath snatched me from sleep and put knowledge in my heart! I never knew what fiction Salem was, I never knew the lessons of lies that I have been taught by all these Christian women and their covenant men!" (Miller 20). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Additionally, John Proctor's guilt over his affair with Abigail adds another layer to their conflict. He is torn between the 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 also attempting to appease her to avoid further accusations. This conflict is highlighted in Act 2 when John confronts Abigail and tells her, "Abby, I may think of you sweetly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I can reach you again" (Miller 24) Also manipulation and l Abigail's deceptions contribute to the conflicts between her and John Proctor. She uses her power over the other girls in Salem to make up accusations of witchcraft, leading to chaos and hysteria in the community. John Proctor, who knows the truth about Abigail's actions, confronts her and tries 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 of dancing with me on my wife's grave! And well she might, for I have thought of her sweetly. God help me, I have wished, and there's a promise in such sweat. But it's a whore's revenge" (Miller 124). Furthermore, the social and religious norms of the time period 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 the characters to conduct their actions within these constraints. John Proctor's struggle to reconcile his own moral failures 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 to witchcraft and save his life, stating, "Because it's my name! Because I can't have another in my life! Because I lie and subscribe to the lies! Because I am not worth the dust on 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 narrative forward, revealing the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of uncontrolled 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. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper 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 the consequences of jealousy, betrayal and ambiguity..