Final answer:
John Proctor's reluctance in 'The Crucible' is due to his struggle with guilt over his past adultery, fear of damaging his reputation further, and his contempt for the unjust witch trials.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, John Proctor is reluctant to do what Elizabeth is pushing him towards because he is torn between his sense of guilt and his dignity. John has previously committed adultery with Abigail Williams, and his wife Elizabeth is urging him to reveal Abigail's falseness to the community, as it would serve to challenge the validity of the witch trials.
John's reluctance stems from his internal conflict; he is ashamed of his past actions and fears that revealing his affair would further tarnish his name and harm his already strained relationship with Elizabeth. His hesitation is also fueled by his contempt for the hysteria and his realization that the trials have become vengeful and unjust, making it difficult for him to participate in them, even to save others.