The Crucible features many different types of conflict. The Webster's dictionary defines conflict as to clash or to be antagonistic, incompatible or contradictory. Throughout act 1 there are many different instances of conflicting opinions and beliefs against religion, society, relationships and authority. I believe the main conflicts in act 1 are the conflicts caused by Betty's illness and the relationships within friends and family.

Much of the conflict in act 1 is caused by Betty's illness. The alarm is whether there is a connection between the devil and the sickness. Paris is one character who greatly fears that the society will think there is a link between the two and he warns to "speak nothing of unnatural causes." Paris's reputation is at risk; if the community discovers that his "own household is discovered to be the very centre of some obscene practice" that it may start further conflict...