2:31 Take Quiz PROCIOR: I'll show you a great doin' on your arse one of these days. Now get you home; my wife is waitin' with your work! (Trying to retain a shred of dignity, she goes slowly out.) MERCY LEWIS (both afraid of him and strangely titillated): I'd best be off. I have my Ruth to watch. Good morning, Mr. Proctor. (Mercy sidles 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! I'd almost forgot how strong you are, John Proctor! Abigail Williams. John Proctor has a powerful physical presence. Which does the author imply about the is strict and no-nonsense. character, John Proctor, in this passage?

In the provided passage, John Proctor's powerful physical presence serves to underscore his authoritative and commanding nature. Several elements contribute to this characterization: 1. **Directive Language**: Proctor's lines—*"I'll show you a great doin' on your arse one of these days. Now get you home; my wife is waitin' with your work!"*—demonstrate his no-nonsense attitude and his expectation that others follow his instructions without question. 2. **Intimidation and Respect**: Mercy Lewis reacts with a mixture of fear and attraction (*"both afraid of him and strangely titillated"*) when interacting with Proctor. This dual reaction highlights his intimidating presence while also hinting at an underlying complexity in his character. 3. **Authority Over Others**: Proctor's ability to command the room is further emphasized when Abigail Williams becomes visibly awestruck (*"absorbing his presence, wide-eyed"*) upon his entrance. This indicates that Proctor naturally garners respect and attention from those around him. 4. **Maintaining Dignity**: Despite his stern demeanor, Proctor attempts to retain his dignity (*"Trying to retain a shred of dignity, she goes slowly out."*), showcasing his self-control and the seriousness with which he approaches situations. Overall, the author implies that John Proctor is a formidable and disciplined individual who commands respect through both his physical presence and his strict, no-nonsense demeanor. This portrayal reinforces his role as a central, morally strong character within the narrative. **Answer:** They show Proctor as authoritative and commanding, using his strong presence to highlight his strict, no-nonsense nature and convey his intimidating, respected character in the scene.