Final answer:
Proctor's comparison of his house to a court likely means that his personal life has become a place of scrutiny and judgment, resembling an environment where he is under constant trial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proctor's comparison of his house to a court is likely meant to highlight a sense of inquiry and judgment that has permeated his personal life. In the context provided, it does not specify from which work this comparison is derived, but several works of literature use the metaphor of a house as a court to illustrate intense scrutiny or judgment. The quoted texts suggest various scenarios where judgment and trials are central themes, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness, as in the case of examining each square inch with a microscope, the procedures and fairness of trials, and the comparison of different entities to make a point.
The metaphor of comparing a house to a court could be representative of several ideas such as an environment of scrutiny, the presence of judgment, or a feeling of being under trial within one's own home. The metaphor may be used to indicate that the personal space has become a place where the individual's actions and character are constantly being examined, much as they would be during a legal trial.