1. Moral Guilt: John Proctor feels profound moral guilt for betraying his wife, Elizabeth. He recognizes the gravity of his actions and the damage they have caused to their marriage. John's conscience weighs heavily on him, leading him to end the affair.
2. Love for Elizabeth: Despite his momentary indiscretion, John Proctor truly loves Elizabeth. He realizes the importance of their marriage and the stability it brings to his life. He wants to rebuild their trust and redeem himself in her eyes.
3. Fear of Abigail's Manipulations: John Proctor becomes increasingly aware of Abigail Williams's manipulative nature and her ability to control others through fear and lies. He fears the consequences of her involvement in the community and her potential to cause harm to others.
4. Social and Legal Implications: John understands that the affair, if discovered, could have serious social and legal consequences. In Puritan society, adultery was a grave sin and could lead to public humiliation, fines, and even imprisonment. He does not want to subject himself and his family to such repercussions.
5. Concern for His Reputation: John Proctor values his reputation and the respect of his community. He knows that news of the affair would damage his standing among his peers and undermine his credibility. He wants to preserve his reputation and the esteem of his fellow citizens.
6. Rekindled Connection with Elizabeth: As the play progresses, John Proctor's relationship with Elizabeth improves. They share moments of genuine intimacy and reaffirm their love for each other. This renewed connection motivates him to end the affair and focus on rebuilding his marriage.