John had a lot to deal with. He had to worry about getting his wife's forgiveness, he had to worry about Abby going after his wife, he had to worry about how the town would look at him if they found out about something. day that he and Abby had a thing. Despite all this, he always tried to do the right thing. So, with his internal crucible, he had to decide what was best for him and his family. Here's an example where John confessed to lust, so they take Elizabeth out of the prison and interrogate him to confirm that he is indeed a lecher. However, in an attempt to save John's name, Elizabeth denies the fact that he even cheated on her, making John look like a liar. Jean shouts at her and says “Elizabeth, I admitted it!” » (Act III, 113). John decided that the last ditch effort was to put his reputation on the line and be known as a lecher in an effort to save his wife from being known as a witch. Because if Abby had something with John, then Abby's accusation would be seen as revenge and Elizabeth would then be freed. His wife then denies everything saying that John is a good man and has never cheated. John, at this point in his mind, realizes that he's pretty screwed. He will be considered a liar and she will simply be sent back to prison. Similarly, in the following example, he has to make another difficult decision. John was given the choice to save his life by signing his name on the document that will hang on the church door for all to see, but he decides it would be better to just die and keep his name pure. He leaves us with this quote that decides his fate “Because it’s my name!” Because I can't have another one in my life! » (Act IV, 143) John has one of the most difficult decisions a person can ever have to make. He must decide whether or not he wants to live with a tainted name and possibly be ridiculed and his family also ridiculed or whether he can die saving his name and surname.