单选题 Which of the following best characterizes the author's attitude toward the Cardinal?

(A) He deprecates his inability to sustain warm familial relationships.
(B) He esteems him for his spiritual and emotional control.
(C) He admires his grace in movement and sure sense of personal authority.
(D) He finds him formidable both as an opponent and as a dramatic character.
(E) He is perturbed by his inconsistencies in behavior.

【正确答案】 D

【答案解析】The author's depiction of the Cardinal stresses his redoubtable qualities as a foe (calculation, duplicity, mercilessness) and as a challenge to an actor ("imperial repose," a commanding presence, smooth movements suggesting latent danger).
Choice A is incorrect. The author portrays the Cardinal's relations with his brother and mistress as cold, but he never apologizes for the Cardinal's lack of warmth. Indeed, the author somewhat savors it.
Choices B and C are incorrect. Neither esteem for a nonexistent spirituality nor admiration for a villainous autocracy enters into the author's depiction of the Cardinal.
Choice E is incorrect. A cause of perturbation to others, the Cardinal is never perturbed.