Question

John Proctor says the following: I mean it solemnly, Rebecca; I like not the smell of this “authority.”

This line shows the conflict ---

Answer 1

This line from John Proctor in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" highlights the central conflict between individual conscience and societal authority. Proctor's skepticism towards “authority” reflects his distrust of the institutions and individuals who wield power in Salem, particularly in the context of the witch trials. His phrase suggests that he perceives the authority figures, such as the court and the clergy, as corrupt or misguided, and he senses a looming threat from their power.

This statement underscores Proctor's internal struggle as he grapples with the moral implications of the trials, as well as his own guilt and past actions. He values personal integrity and truth over blind obedience to a flawed system, which sets him at odds with both the society that demands conformity and the powerful figures who manipulate fear for their own ends. This conflict ultimately drives much of the narrative in "The Crucible," illustrating the dangers of mass hysteria, the fragility of reputation, and the power of individual resistance against oppression.