The story that is seen by John is one of sin, misdeeds, and corruption. His town is being overrun by the intentions of children who feel empowered due to their rising of standing in the town ranks. Even John himself committed adultery by sleeping with another woman. John's conscience tears at him constantly for committing such a sin, and the story shows how even good men can fall.
Contrary to what you may now think of John, he only wanted what was best for his family and surrenders his life in exchange for their's. His options were to either live in shame, his family