What is Danforth's motivation for not wanting to find the girls' accusations false?

Danforth's motivation for not wanting to find the girls' accusations false stems from a complex interplay of factors, which is why the most comprehensive answer is that he is influenced by fear of losing authority, a desire to protect his reputation, and a will to maintain public order.

He fears losing authority because, as the Deputy Governor, Danforth's power is heavily tied to the legitimacy of the court's proceedings. Admitting that the girls' accusations are false would undermine the court's authority and his position within it, leading to a potential collapse of the societal order he oversees.

Additionally, Danforth's desire to protect his reputation plays a critical role. He is portrayed as a man deeply concerned with how his actions will be viewed by the public and his peers. Accepting that the girls are lying would not only damage his standing but could also reflect poorly on his judgment and leadership.

Lastly, maintaining public order is essential to Danforth's motivations. He believes that the continuation of the trials, even under false pretenses, serves to uphold a sense of order in a community already fraught with fear and chaos. For him, the idea of social stability outweighs the moral implications of allowing injustice to occur.

Together, these motivations intertwine to create