Final answer:
John Proctor's moral dilemma in 'The Crucible' is his decision on whether to conform to societal expectations during the Salem witch trials, reflecting the real-life struggles of Puritan society with strict societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Proctor's moral dilemma in the play The Crucible centers on his decision about conforming to society. Proctor is a complex character who is caught between the truth and the hysteria engulfing Salem. The Salem witch trials, which are the historical backdrop of the play, saw accusations of witchcraft stemming from Puritan beliefs of witchcraft and the work of the devil. Proctor's dilemma is whether to confess to lies and save his life or to maintain his integrity by telling the truth, even at the cost of his own execution. This internal conflict is a reflection of the real-life Puritan society's struggles with adherence to rigid societal expectations and the consequences of deviating from them.