Question

mercy lewis (both afraid of him and strangely titillated): id best be off. i have my ruth to watch. good morning, mr. proctor. (mercy slides out. since proctor’s entrance, abigail has stood as though on tiptoe, absorbing his presence, wide - eyed. he glances at her, then goes to betty on the bed) abigail: gah! id almost forgot how strong you are, john proctor!
the crucible act 1 part 3
which traits of john proctor does the author reveal in this passage?
select all that apply.
□ john proctor previously had an affair with abigail williams.
□ john proctor is strict and no - nonsense.
□ john proctor is concerned with moral behavior.
□ john proctor has a powerful physical presence.

Explanation:

1. For "John Proctor previously had an affair with Abigail Williams": This is a known plot point in The Crucible where John Proctor and Abigail had an affair, so this trait is revealed (or supported by the context of their interaction here, as Abigail's reaction to him also hints at their past).
2. For "John Proctor is strict and no - nonsense": The way he interacts, and the effect his presence has on others (Abigail standing on tiptoe, absorbing his presence, and his glance at her) gives a sense of a stern, no - nonsense demeanor.
3. For "John Proctor is concerned with moral behavior": His past affair and the way he conducts himself (trying to move past it, and the moral weight of his actions in the play's context) support this, and the interaction here with Abigail (who is still affected by him) can be seen in the light of his moral struggles and concerns.
4. For "John Proctor has a powerful physical presence": Abigail's reaction ("I'd almost forgot how strong you are, John Proctor", and standing on tiptoe, absorbing his presence) directly shows that he has a powerful physical presence.

Answer:

• John Proctor previously had an affair with Abigail Williams.
• John Proctor is strict and no - nonsense.
• John Proctor is concerned with moral behavior.
• John Proctor has a powerful physical presence.