What was the primary conflict between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?

What was the primary conflict between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?

• A. Land disputes
• B. Religious beliefs
• C. Affairs with women in Salem
• D. Political power

Answer: (A)

The primary conflict between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam centers around land disputes. In *The Crucible*, Putnam is depicted as a man eager to acquire more land and wealth, which leads him to manipulate the witch trials for his own gain. He uses the hysteria to target Proctor and others, motivated by personal grievances and a desire to extend his own property holdings. Proctor, on the other hand, represents a moral stance against the rampant accusations and the injustices stacked against innocent people, including his own interests in land. This tension showcases a deeper conflict of integrity versus greed, as Proctor seeks to protect his name and land from Putnam's opportunistic ambitions. The resolution of their conflict is instrumental in illustrating the themes of individual morality versus societal pressures within the play.

The primary conflict between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam centers around land disputes. In The Crucible, Putnam is depicted as a man eager to acquire more land and wealth, which leads him to manipulate the witch trials for his own gain. He uses the hysteria to target Proctor and others, motivated by personal grievances and a desire to extend his own property holdings. Proctor, on the other hand, represents a moral stance against the rampant accusations and the injustices stacked against innocent people, including his own interests in land. This tension showcases a deeper conflict of integrity versus greed, as Proctor seeks to protect his name and land from Putnam's opportunistic ambitions. The resolution of their conflict is instrumental in illustrating the themes of individual morality versus societal pressures within the play.