Final answer:
Proctor's internal conflict is a battle between his residual feelings for Abby and his commitment to moral integrity, exemplified by his drastic metaphor of cutting off his hand to avoid resuming their illicit relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Proctor: Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby." indicates Proctor's internal conflict between his lingering feelings for Abby and his moral resolution to stay true to his wife and community values. This conflict is characterized by Proctor's metaphorical expression of severing his hand, showcasing his determination to end the affair and deny its existence, which suggests a deep sense of guilt and the psychological turmoil he is experiencing.